Transfer Centre

Manchester United-linked Frenkie de Jong: "I am at the biggest club in the world"

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 15 June 2022

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong says that there is "no news" to bring on his future, as he continues to be linked with Manchester United.

Frenkie de Jong has insisted that there is "no news" to bring on his future despite the recent speculation surrounding the Netherlands international.

Manchester United are said to be in talks with Barcelona over a summer move for the midfielder, although the Red Devils are yet to place an official offer on the table.

De Jong recently branded Barcelona his "dream club", revealing that he wants to stay with the Catalan giants despite interest from Old Trafford.

"I prefer to stay with Barcelona. Barcelona is just my dream club. Also from a young age. I just said it too. I've never regretted my choice despite the fact that I had hoped for more in terms of prizes than I've achieved so far. But I have never regretted my choice," the Netherlands international told ESPN.

However, a recent report claimed that he had been convinced to make the move to the 20-time English champions by their new manager Erik ten Hag, who had De Jong at Ajax.

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong pictured in October 2021 © Reuters

Man United recently made a verbal bid for the midfielder, offering €60m (£52m) plus €10m (£8.7m) in add-ons, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, but Barcelona are said to want an €85m (£73.8m) guaranteed fee.

De Jong still has more than four years left to run on his contract, while he was again a key player for Barcelona last term, scoring four goals and registering five assists in 46 appearances in all competitions.

The club's financial problems mean that they are open to a sale this summer, though, and Man United are believed to be confident of agreeing a deal with Xavi's side.

De Jong was asked about the current situation following Tuesday's UEFA Nations League clash between the Netherlands and Wales, with the midfielder playing the full 90 minutes of Holland's 3-2 win.

"You are always flattered when teams show interest in you as a player," De Jong told reporters. "But I think I am at the biggest club in the world at the moment and feel fine there so there is no news."

Frenkie de Jong warms up for Barcelona on November 27, 2021 © Reuters

Speaking to Barca TV, Barcelona president Joan Laporta recently said: "If our economic situation requires the sale of an important player, we are ready for that."

Meanwhile, the Catalan side's head coach Xavi suggested last month that De Jong could leave Camp Nou during the summer market for financial reasons.

"For me, Frenkie is a great player, he's a beast – I like him and I think he can be part of an important era of the club. We will see the economic situation of the club... but I like De Jong," Xavi told reporters.

Man United have allowed both Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic to leave the club on free transfers this summer, while Juan Mata, Edinson Cavani and Jesse Lingard have also been released.

As well as De Jong, Ten Hag's side are believed to be interested in Christian Eriksen and have allegedly offered a contract to the Brentford midfielder.