stumbling blocks of Nigel de Jong deal

The deal between Manchester City and Hamburger SV to bring Nigel de Jong is seemingly complete with the transfer price rumoured to be £18m. The the only outstanding matter with the sticking point being the contract between player and club. Said Hamburg representative:

“We have had contact with Manchester City and have agreed to release the player if he can strike a deal with the English club. Now it is up to the player and his agent to agree on a contract with that team.”

However the “sticking point” of signing the young Netherlands international isn’t as easy as it first appeared. He said of the contract negotiations:

“I cannot say anything. Nothing is finished.”

Confusing? Well it should be. While the deal is far from dead and could be completed at any time, Nigel de Jong is wisely using the media is send a message that since the club has proven it has deep pockets he isn’t about to put his name to a contract until they ante up. As City becomes known for paying top-dollar and chasing the “bid”, players and clubs will rightfully learn how “play the game.” Considering Blackburn’s Sam Allardyce has boosted the price of Roque Santa Cruz to £40m after the Citizens offered £12m, some are learning.