Frenkie De Jong has admitted that Manchester United had tried to buy him last summer and clarified that this summer “will be different”.
Manchester United made an offer to bring in Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona last summer. The news is now confirmed by the player himself.
It was claimed in the summer of 2022 that Manchester United boss Erik Ten Haag wanted to reunite with the midfielder at Old Trafford. The duo previously worked together at Ajax where they had a great relationship. Ten Haag’s desire lasted long after the transfer market closed.
Despite Manchester United’s desire and Barcelona’s eagerness to let go, the transfer did not take place, partly owing to De Jong’s demand for compensation from previous seasons.
What did Frenkie De Jong say?
In an interview with Dutch media outlet Ziggo Sport Voetbal, the midfielder spoke about the situation last summer.
He admitted that he did have a ‘situation’ with the club’s president Joan Laporta. This was due to the president wanting to sell him to ease some of their financial problems.
De Jong said at the time, “My relationship with the president is good. In reality, it has never been bad. Of course, there was this situation last summer, but my relationship with him is good.”
“Feeling after the club wanted to get rid of me for €80m last summer? Well… you don’t know how things go. Maybe this summer it will be different again, but I feel good here.”
Frenkie de Jong: "Feeling afte the club wanted to get rid of me for €80m last summer? Well… you don't know how things go. Maybe this summer it will be different again, but I feel good here", told Ziggo. 🔵🔴 #FCB
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 21, 2023
Xavi considers Frenkie as crucial player for his project. pic.twitter.com/FshQzgK4uF
And now, he admitted that an offer from Manchester United did indeed come in. He spoke with Dutch broadcasters NOS, where he confirmed the information.
De Jong said, “Manchester United already spoke with Barcelona [last summer] despite the fact that I wanted to stay here.”
He also further said that he had no intention to leave, “If everything goes well for me and for the club, then I want to stay here for as long as possible.”
Why did he end up staying at Barca?
De Jong ended up staying despite the club trying hard to convince him otherwise.
The former Ajax man joined the Catalans back in 2019 for a big fee of $ 75 million. But he failed to impress in the initial years, leading many to become dissatisfied with him.
In 2020. he renewed his contract during the pandemic. The club extended it until 2026, and he in turn agreed to a pay cut, with the wages deferred to be paid in the future.
So, while the club wanted to sell him, De Jong wanted to stay and also to make sure he will be paid his unpaid wages in the future.
This year, he was a pivotal part of the team, partnering up in midfield with Sergio Busquets. His contributions to the club allowed them to win their first La Liga title since 2019. It was also his first league title at his new club.
Manager Xavi Hernandez is also said to consider De Jong a pivotal player. The club apparently considers him ‘untouchable’ though a big offer may dismiss this notion.
Manchester United did bring in midfield additions in the form of players Christian Eriksen and Casemiro. Both have been impressive for the club, though injuries and suspensions have hampered their impact.
However, Ten Haag is still keen on bringing the Dutch midfielder to Manchester. The decision is pending on whether the new owners will be announced in the near future.
Barcelona is also in another financial crisis. The club is planning on bringing back the legendary Lionel Messi back to the club. To do this, they need to free up a big portion of their wage bill and that may include having to sell some players. De Jong could find himself in another ‘situation’ this summer.
Whether he decides to leave or stay is up to him.
