Transfer Centre

Jordi Cruyff rules out Barcelona departure for Frenkie de Jong

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 08 December 2022

Barcelona sporting director Jordi Cruyff says that Frenkie de Jong, who was strongly linked with Manchester United over the summer, is no longer for sale.

Barcelona sporting director Jordi Cruyff has said that the window to sell Frenkie de Jong has now passed, with the midfielder set to remain at Camp Nou.

The Netherlands international was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United over the summer, with the Red Devils believed to have spent much of the recent market chasing his signature.

Barcelona's financial problems had allegedly led to them making the decision to sell De Jong, with Man United said to be willing to pay around £80m for his signature.

However, De Jong ultimately refused to make the move to the 20-time English champions, and he has been a key player this term, featuring on 17 occasions in all competitions.

The 25-year-old is on huge wages at Camp Nou, and it had been thought that Barcelona would again consider selling him next year to ease their financial issues.

Frenkie de Jong in action for Barcelona on August 13, 2022 © Reuters

However, Cruyff has said that the Dutchman is now no longer available for transfer.

"Today this is not being talked about. In football there are moments and sometimes they are not defined solely by football issues," Cruyff told Sport.

"The fair play situation. Not everyone understands what it is, there are changes every week, but there are situations and decisions that are not just football things. But time has passed and he has an important role.

"The reality is that Frenkie has stayed, he is a loved player, people expect a lot from him because he is very talented and a slightly different player. There was the possibility because good players are always wanted by good teams, it works like that. The reality is that he is here and he is playing an important role.

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong in action in July 2022 © Reuters

"There are market moments and it's no longer with Frenkie, but with everyone, there is a fair play rule and the consequences of not complying with it are enormous and there are calculations that have nothing to do with what happens on the pitch.

"It is an accumulation of things and you do some calculations. There is no other way. Fair play forces you to make decisions.''

De Jong, who has a contract at Camp Nou until June 2026, has made 157 appearances for Barcelona in all competitions, contributing 15 goals and 19 assists in the process.

Bayern Munich and Chelsea had also been credited with an interest in the former Ajax youngster amid the speculation surrounding his future over the summer.