Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong will not be leaving the club for Manchester United or Bayern Munich anytime soon, according to his father.
Speaking to Algemeen Dagblad, as relayed by GOAL, John de Jong, the father of Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong has ruled out the possibility of the midfielder leaving Camp Nou for Manchester United or Bayern Munich anytime soon.
De Jong signed for Barcelona in 2019 from AFC Ajax, at a point when he was widely regarded as one of the best young midfielders in Europe. While he has shown his qualities since joining the Catalans, the Dutchman has been unable to hit the heights expected of him, while he has been particularly sub-par in big games in the current campaign.
It has led to speculations over his future at Camp Nou, especially with the Blaugrana in desperate need of a cash injection amidst their financial troubles. De Jong has been linked with a move away to Manchester United, who are looking at the market for a new midfielder to replace contract rebel Paul Pogba.
German champions Bayern Munich have long-term admirers of the Netherlands international and have been credited with an interest in him. When quizzed about the possibility of his son joining either Manchester United or Bayern Munich, John de Jong replied: “It’s often bad weather there. Of course, it’s about football, but it does matter.”
When pushed further about the chances of de Jong leaving Barcelona, he said: “Of course, I know that Barcelona needs money and a great offer for Frenkie could help, but I don’t see it happening anytime soon. Although, five top European clubs have all called.”
De Jong has had to endure a mixed campaign so far, but given his quality and age, given time, he has what it takes to come good for Barcelona. Manager Xavi Hernandez needs a core of players to build the team around, especially with the old guard of Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba entering the final phase of their respective careers.
Barcelona have several promising young midfielders in Pedri, Gavi and Nico Gonzalez. But, it makes sense for them to hold on to someone of de Jong’s quality. And judging by his father’s comments, the midfielder is not looking for a move away from Camp Nou.
