Frenkie de Jong’s father has ruled Manchester United out of signing his son which may come as a potential transfer blow for Ralf Rangnick.
The Netherlands international was rumoured to have been a target for United, who are in desperate need of more quality in midfield, and it would be a huge statement to land a star like De Jong.
If Rangnick was planning on signing De Jong, though, he will need to convince the midfielder that there are ways around the weather in Manchester, which is also bad news for Man City.
Speaking to Alegmeen Dagblad, John de Jong said: “It’s often bad weather there.
“Of course it’s about football, but it does matter.
“Of course, I know that Barcelona needs money and a great offer for Frenkie could help, but I don’t see it happening anytime soon. Although, five top European clubs have all called.”
That comment does appear to be somewhat of a ‘we’re not going to Manchester’ message from De Jong’s father.
De Jong still has a running contract at Barcelona – after signing for the club in 2019 from Ajax – which expires in 2026, but the La Liga giants may be persuaded to cash in if it helps them balance the books and sign other players.