De Jong TRANSFER: There was a possibility last year when Frenkie de Jong came close to joining Manchester United. Barcelona were ready to sell the player to get a big fee in return which could have eased their financial woes a little. Man United coach Erik Ten Hag were ready to pay the big amount if needed. However, De Jong wanted to stay at Barcelona and play for them. Hence, it did not go through. Now, the midfielder has shed some light on the situation in a recent interview. Follow La Liga LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN.
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Frenkie de Jong recently did an interview with the Dutch broadcaster NOS where he explained the situation which happened revolving around his transfer to Manchester United from Barcelona. He said, “Manchester United already spoke with Barcelona [last summer] despite the fact that I wanted to stay here. The club was in a difficult situation. They were able to sell me for a big fee, and they wanted to do this, but I did not want to leave so I stayed.”
He also said that he wants to remain with Barcelona if it is possible for both parties and revealed his wish to win international accolades with the Netherlands. added, “If everything goes well for me and for the club, then I want to stay here for as long as possible. I have won the league here so now there is just one thing left for me to win this season, and that’s the Nations League [with the Netherlands]. It’s not the Euros or a World Cup, but I think it would be a nice sign if we manage to win it.”
Frenkie de Jong came to Barcelona back in 2019 from Ajax and has since appeared in 180 matches for Barcelona. He has become a key player in the midfield in Barcelona. His skills have helped the club in several matches. Additionally, he could become more important for the club now that Sergio Busquets has announced that he will be leaving at the end of the season as a free agent. However, his skills attracted Manchester United who wanted to bring him to England last season.
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His current contract with Barcelona expires in 2026, so there was no pressure for Barcelona to sell the player last season. However, Barcelona are trying to battle and win the war against the financial woes that have been covering them for 3-4 years now. Man United coach Erik Ten Hag worked with De Jong in Ajax and he has a great appreciation for the player. He wanted to reunite with the player in England. Hence, Man United contacted Barcelona regarding the transfer.
Barcelona President Joan Laporta saw that they could get a large fee if they could sell De Jong. This could have eased their financial issues a little. However, De Jong has previously said and has been saying since that he has no intentions to leave Barcelona. He also wanted Barcelona to pay off his due wages from previous years if he was to leave. Hence, the transfer did not happen. However, as the summer transfer window approaches, talks between the two clubs regarding De Jong could start anew.
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