‘I want’ - Frenkie de Jong addresses Barcelona future amid Man Utd transfer links

Frenkie de Jong has reiterated his desire to remain at Barcelona this summer, amid reports that the midfielder ‘tops’ Manchester United’s summer transfer list.

The Dutchman, who played under Erik ten Hag at Ajax, could have joined the Red Devils last summer, but a contact issue and the player’s desire to remain at the Nou Camp scuppered any potential deal from taking place.

Yet, with the 2023 summer transfer window approaching, United have once again been linked with a move for De Jong. The Mirror claim Ten Hag sees the 25-year-old as the ‘perfect accompaniment for Christian Eriksen and Casemiro’ in his midfield.

However, any hopes of De Jong joining United have suffered a blow with the player stating he has no plans to leave the club.

“I’m very calm here, very happy at Barça”, he told Esports RAC1, when asked about United’s interest. “I want to stay at Barcelona for many more years.”

De Jong has played 32 times for Barcelona this season, including in the double header against United in Europa League play-off last month, with the Netherlands international scoring twice so far this campaign.

While De Jong evidently does not want to switch clubs, the decision may not be that simple as several reports claim Barcelona must sell this summer in order to recruit new players. Meanwhile, United are interested in adding at least one midfielder to their squad in the off-season, potentially two, with Ten Hag open to the possibility of Scott McTominay and Donny van de Beek leaving.