Frenkie de Jong pours cold water on Man Utd links: I prefer to stay with Barcelona
Frenkie de Jong has looked to distance himself from rumours linking him with a move to Manchester United, stating his desire to remain at Barcelona.
Erik ten Hag and De Jong have a strong working relationship from their time together at Ajax, famously reaching the Champions League semi-finals in 2018/19, and the Dutch coach is reportedly keen on reuniting with his former midfield metronome.
The new Man Utd boss is set to overhaul his squad this summer as the club looks to put last season’s debacle behind them, in which interim manager Ralf Rangnick guided them to their lowest-ever points tally in Premier League history, just scraping sixth.
With the club recently confirming Paul Pogba will leave this summer upon the expiration of his contract, a midfield vacancy has opened up at Old Trafford, and it is thought that Ten Hag sees De Jong as the man capable of filling the void.
However, the Barcelona midfielder has since poured cold water on suggestions of a move to the Premier League, reaffirming his passion for the Camp Nou and the “dream” of playing in Catalonia.
When asked about interest from Man Utd, De Jong told ESPN: “I prefer to stay with Barcelona.
“Barcelona is just my dream club. Also from a young age. I just said it too. I’ve never regretted my choice despite the fact that I had hoped for more in terms of prizes than I’ve achieved so far.
“But I have never regretted my choice.”
The 25-year-old was further asked about whether contact has been made by Ten Hag, to which he responded that it’s been radio silence from both parties.
“What I’m saying, there is absolutely nothing of an agreement or anything official. At the moment there is no question of it at all,” the Dutchman added.
“Not that I know of in any case. Or they must not have told me, but I don’t think so.”
