Manchester United have been dealt a transfer blow with Frenkie de Jong expressing his desire to stay at Barcelona. The player who has been heavily linked with a move to the Old Trafford club has revealed that he is not ready to give up his dream of playing for the Blaugrana in favor of a move elsewhere.
The future of De Jong has come under scrutiny in recent weeks and new Man United boss Erik ten Hag is siad to be keen on bringing him to Old Trafford. Having worked together with the midfielder at Ajax, Ten Hag has reportedly asked for the signing of the midfielder to be prioritized as he looks to begin the squad rebuilding at Old Trafford. However, the deal is not expected to be straightforward, with De Jong still adamant about a move to the Premier League club.
With the transfer window set to be opened and with Barca rumored to be considering the possibilty of De Jong's sale, fans of Manchester United were ancipating a favorable development in the club's pursuit for the Dutchman. However, the player has poured cold water on the transfer links, stating that he feels at home at Barcelona and only dreams of staying at the club ahead of the new season.
In an interview with ESPN on Tuesday, he stated unequivocally that he intends to stay at Camp Nou in the future.
"I'd rather stay with Barcelona," De Jong declared.
Barcelona is just my ideal club. From a young age, as well. I simply mentioned it as well. Despite the fact that I had hoped for more prizes than I've received thus far, I've never regretted my decision. But I've never regretted my decision.
"What I'm saying, there is absolutely nothing of an agreement or anything official [regarding a move to Manchester United]. At the moment there is no question of it at all.
"Not that I know of in any case. Or they must not have told me, but I don't think so."
With De Jong's latest comments, Manchester United may be forced to look elsewhere in solving their midfield issue. The Dutch midfielder is currently valued around $85M, an amount that is seeming too much for the Red Devils to consider.
