Frenkie de Jong makes feelings clear on Man Utd switch after Barcelona left him 'upset'

Erik ten Hag enjoyed great success with Frenkie de Jong at Ajax (Image: Getty)

Long-time Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong has expressed his contentment at Barcelona amid ongoing transfer speculation. The Dutch international was at the centre of a full-blown saga in 2022, with his future thrown into doubt after a period of frustration at the Spanish club.

Despite United boss Erik ten Hag, who previously managed De Jong at Ajax, making moves to bring him to Old Trafford and an approximate £56million fee being agreed, the deal fell through due to personal terms. Although there was initially discontent over Barcelona's unwillingness to sell him, which he felt tarnished his reputation, it appears the player and the club have mended their relationship.

With persistent rumours suggesting he might be on the market once more, De Jong has made it clear he is pleased to continue with the Catalan giants, saying: "Staying at Barca? Yes, I'm very happy in Barcelona with my family, for sure. Hansi Flick wants me to be key? I talked to him. It was good."

Related articles Man Utd £42m deal, Liverpool first signing - Jorge Mendes' dream transfer window Man Utd have wildcard Kobbie Mainoo partner as new role can save millions Stay up-to-date with the latest Man Utd news Join us on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

De Jong's contract runs until 2026, and while there are no talks of a renewal just yet, Barcelona reportedly wouldn't mind parting with the midfielder this summer for a reduced fee of £51m, significantly lower than the £65m they paid in 2019, via the Mirror.

function loadOvpScript(){let el=document.createElement('script');el.setAttribute('src','https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=114291&vp_content=plembed3e7arguyxmsj&cbuster=%%CACHEBUSTER%%&playerApiId=v114291');document.getElementById('ovp-primis').appendChild(el)} window.top.addEventListener('primisPlayerInit',e=>{try{if(e.detail&&e.detail.playerApiId==="v114291"){if(window.document.getElementsByClassName('jwplayer')[0]){e.detail.float('disable')}}}catch(e){}});window.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded',()=>{setTimeout(()=>{if(typeof flagTcfLoaded!=='undefined'&&flagTcfLoaded===!0){loadOvpScript() ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP flagTcfLoaded',new Date())}else{document.addEventListener("tcfLoaded",()=>{loadOvpScript() ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP tcfLoaded',new Date())})}},1500)})

According to Sport, De Jong experienced considerable frustration when they considered selling him two years ago. His recent affirmations of happiness could signal potential tensions with the club if they indeed decide to place him on the market again.

Barcelona's new manager Flick has taken the reins from Xavi, and while he's had positive discussions with midfield maestro De Jong, it remains uncertain if he'll be central to the German's strategy. With a crowded midfield featuring talents like Pedri, Gavi, Fermin Lopez, and Ilkay Gundogan, competition is fierce.

De Jong says he's happy at Barcelona - despite that not always being the case (Image: Getty Images) Trending window.topArticlesScript="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/js/dist/article-top-articles20240806.min.js" SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Ten Hag is still said to be keen to reunite with his former midfielder, having previously disclosed to Gary Neville on Sky Sports his vision for the Dutchman at Old Trafford. "It would have been Frenkie de Jong and Casemiro [in the middle]," Ten Hag said.

"They would really be connected with each other. They would be really complementary to each other. That's a typical player. If you want to play the Ajax style, you need that type of player."

United haven't shied away from splashing cash this transfer window, securing Joshua Zirkzee for £36.5m, Leny Yoro for £58m, and they're now poised to welcome De Jong's ex-Ajax team-mates Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui for a combined £60m. Should De Jong decide to make the switch, he'd join a growing list of Ten Hag's former Ajax players at United, including Antony, Lisandro Martinez, and Andre Onana.

Frenkie de Jong makes feelings clear on Man Utd switch after Barcelona left him 'upset'

Frenkie de Jong makes feelings clear on Man Utd switch after Barcelona left him 'upset'

Frenkie de Jong makes feelings clear on Man Utd switch after Barcelona left him 'upset'

Frenkie de Jong makes feelings clear on Man Utd switch after Barcelona left him 'upset'

Frenkie de Jong makes feelings clear on Man Utd switch after Barcelona left him 'upset'