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."
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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.
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.
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.
