Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong is reportedly weighing up the prospect of leaving Barcelona if his fortunes do not improve.
According to a report by Spanish publication SPORT, Frenkie de Jong is considering his long-term future at FC Barcelona. The Dutch midfielder, a target for Manchester United, might have to call it quits if he does not become a regular starter in the second half of the 2022/23 season.
Frenkie de Jong achieved his lifelong dream when he joined Barcelona from Ajax over three years ago. But the 25-year-old has endured a difficult time at Camp Nou due to reasons out of his control. While de Jong was one of the most consistent performers for Barcelona in his first three seasons, he is now a squad option.
The Dutch midfielder has started only four of the 12 games played by Barcelona thus far this season, scoring once. Before that, de Jong had faced a frustrating time in the summer transfer window, as Barcelona wanted to sell him to balance the books. While that did not happen, he has now lost his place in the team to Gavi.
Manchester United wanted to sign the former Ajax midfielder in the summer. But de Jong was adamant that he wanted to remain with Barcelona and not join a club playing UEFA Europa League football. As fate would have it, Barcelona might drop down to the second tier after their latest result in the UEFA Champions League.
Meanwhile, de Jong is unsurprisingly unhappy with his situation at Spotify Camp Nou. And the report claims that he might have to consider leaving Barcelona if he does not become a regular starter in the second half of the 2022/23 season. That should come as a boost for Manchester United.
The Red Devils signed two midfielders in the summer transfer window. But a player like de Jong can breathe new life into the Manchester United midfield. However, it will all still come to nought if the 25-year-old remains reluctant to join Manchester United.
It will be interesting to see how the season progresses for the Dutch midfielder amid his frustrations at Camp Nou. Manchester United will likely be closely monitoring how the player fares at Barcelona in the second half of the campaign.
