Former Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman has urged the club not to sell Frenkie de Jong to Manchester United.
The Dutch international is United’s main transfer target this summer as Erik ten Hag looks to rebuild the squad at Old Trafford. It is unlikely that he will complete his overhaul this summer, but Ten Hag will want a player like De Jong to help his side start attacks from deep positions in midfield.
United don’t have a player who can do that.
The two clubs are still in talks over a deal; however, it is understood that De Jong is waiting for Barcelona to pay the wages they owe him. No progress can be made until that matter is solved.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta recently made his personal determination to keep the player very clear, although sources close to the situation claim he is very different behind the scenes. He also suggested that De Jong would need to take a salary reduction to stay at Camp Nou.
Laporta’s public stance has been echoed by Koeman, who doesn’t think Barcelona are making a wise decision selling De Jong this summer.
“I have a lot of contact with Frenkie and I know his situation,” Koeman said as quoted by Marca.
“He’s already said he wants to stay, and his intention is to continue at Barca.
“There are many rumours, but I think Barca always keep the best and sign the best. To improve, you don’t sell players like Frenkie de Jong.”
This will be music to the ears of United fans who are excited about the prospect of signing De Jong.
Barcelona find themselves in a dire financial situation and need to sell players this summer.
Koeman will takeover as Netherlands manager after the World Cup later this year to replace Louis van Gaal.
