Frenkie de Jong, a target for Manchester United, is apparently dissatisfied with his life at Barcelona and may be prepared to leave the Camp Nou at this time.
The 25-year-old Dutch master was Erik ten Hag’s top target during the summer transfer window, but despite the Red Devils and Barcelona agreeing on a £70 million transfer fee, De Jong was not interested in leaving his longtime partner Mikky Kiemeney.
The Spanish powerhouses were eager to remove De Jong from their payroll due to Barca’s dwindling finances. Boss Xavi even gave him an ultimatum: either accept a sizable pay cut or find a new team.
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The Dutch international, however, is allegedly “disgusted” with his present bit-part role, according to Spanish outlet Sport, despite the fact that De Jong’s relationship with the team appears to have improved since Transfer Deadline Day.
Only one Champions League game and three La Liga games this season saw De Jong start for Xavi. The midfielder only got to start the 5-1 thrashing of European minnows Viktoria Plzen after being named on the bench for matches against Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.
The Dutch star thought he had earned the right to be one of the first names on the team sheet as one of Barca’s best earners, but he now finds himself behind Sergio Busquets, Gavi, and Pedri on the lineup. The trio is anticipated to start this Sunday’s El Clasico matchup against Real Madrid (October 16).
De Jong reportedly said he will be “extremely disappointed” if he is not chosen for the match at the Santiago Bernabeu, according to the article. Man Utd is still very interested, and De Jong is now refusing to rule out leaving Catalunya in January.
Ten Hag is eager to inject more innovation into the centre of the field despite the addition of Casemiro, a five-time Champions League champion, and has made it clear that his compatriot would still be welcome at Old Trafford.