Manchester United’s interest in Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong over the summer transfer window was not a secret. In fact, the nature of United’s pursuit was borderline comical.
De Jong was Erik ten Hag’s number one priority as the Dutchman eyed a full revamp in midfield but the Barcelona star ended up staying at the Catalan club, forcing United to look elsewhere.
De Jong never pushed for a move away from the Spotify Camp Nou despite his club engaging in negotiations over his transfer and now, speaking after enduring a difficult start to the season, he has explained why a move never materialised.
“I was calm. I decided, in May, that I wanted to stay,” De Jong told Ziggo Sport, via MARCA, on rumours linking him with a Barcelona departure this summer.
“My opinion has never changed during all this period – I remained calm.
“But then you know that the pressure would start coming. Yes, from the newspapers, from the president. From everywhere in fact. But I wanted to stay at Barça, so it never baffled me.”
When it became increasingly clear that De Jong would not be reuniting with Ten Hag at Old Trafford, United look elsewhere and landed on former Real Madrid general Casemiro.
Despite their big-money move for the Brazilian star, it has been reported that De Jong remains on United’s radar if they cannot persuade Jude Bellingham to join the club.
SN’s verdict…
So far this season, manager Xavi Hernandez has been reluctant to use De Jong in the big games and you must wonder whether the midfielder regrets not entertaining any offers this summer.
Ten Hag evidently remains keen on De Jong but the club are unlikely to sit around and wait for him to make himself available – there are other viable options out there.
Don’t think United should pursue someone who does not want to play for the club. They’d be better off getting Uzoho to play in midfield.
you made a good decision to stay in Barcelona, but how do you see the results of Barcelona? will you really qualify for the champion league? Do you get a chance to play as a starter? remember Manchester United was chasing you a lot and you would be the best player there.