‘Club of my dreams’ - Man Utd £65m transfer target assesses future amid Erik Ten Hag reunion talk

Manchester United’s hopes of pursuing a deal for long-term target Frenkie De Jong appear to have been ended by the Barcelona star.

De Jong worked under Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag during his time at Ajax as the duo played integral roles in helping the Dutch giants to three Eredivise titles, two KNVB Cup wins and a Johan Cruyff Shield win. The midfielder’s form led to speculation of a move away from Ajax and it was Barcelona that saw off competition from some of European football’s biggest clubs to land the talented midfielder in a reported £65million deal during the summer of 2019.

The 51-times capped Netherlands international was strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford last summer and there were widespread reports United were unsuccessful with several offers that were said to in excess of £65million.

However, De Jong remained at the Camp Nou and played a lead role in helping the Catalan giants secure their first La Liga title since 2019 and the first of club legend Xavi’s managerial reign. Despite that success, the financial situation at Barca has led to suggestions De Jong could be sold to bring in some much-needed income.

The 26-year-old was asked about a possible move away from the Camp Nou during a recent interview and he seemed to end any hopes United had of luring him away from Barcelona by describing the La Liga champions as ‘the club of his dreams’.

He told Spanish news outlet El Periodico: “Barça is the club of my life. I want to spend my whole life here, I never wanted to leave despite the financial situation of the club last summer. I’ve always been a Barça fan since I was a kid. This is the club of my dreams.”

United have already completed the signings of Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana, Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount and Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund so far this summer.