Barcelona chief Joan Laporta claims he never wanted to sell Frenkie de Jong. Manchester United were keen on signing the Dutch midfielder, with Erik Ten Hag interested in bidding for the player.
Manchester United were ineffective in the last transfer window as they wasted plenty of time chasing a target that was not keen on joining them. Since the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson left the club in 2013, the Red Devils have cut the impression of a confused club when trying to sign players.
Things have not changed much, but the arrival of Erik Ten Hag has sparked new hope at the club. Last summer, despite modest activity in the market where they signed Casemiro, Antony, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia, Manchester United is still to hit the heights they desire.
They spent the bulk of the summer chasing after the signature of Frenkie de Jong. It was a fruitless effort as the Dutchman showed no inclination to leave the Nou Camp. Frenkie de Jong insisted on staying at Barcelona, and the club president Joan Laporta has revealed that despite the efforts of Man United, he never wanted to sell the midfielder.
Man United at odds over Laporta revelation
Manchester United still held little hope of signing Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong, but recent revelations by Joan Laporta have put a pin in that balloon.
The financial situation of the Catalan giants was why the Red Devils felt they could get their man, but they will have to look elsewhere as Laporta has said he is not interested in selling the player.
The Red Devils have received the news with mixed reactions. It does not change their current status and ensures that the need for a more creative midfielder becomes more apparent. The team currently has Christian Eriksen occupying that role, with Fred and Scott McTominay playing less vital roles.
It is still unknown if Manchester United will still test the resolve of the Catalan giants in the next transfer window. The Manchester United midfield remains a vital area of focus for Erik Ten Hag The Dutch manager wants to make it the fulcrum of his team.
Other targets and Barcelona’s future
With the signing of Frenkie De Kong looking unlikely, Manchester united wants to move forward and has joined the race for Jude Bellingham.
Many clubs are interested in signing the Borussia Dortmund midfielder, Real Madrid. It has not deterred the Old Trafford side from throwing its hat into the ring, as it fancies its chances of convincing Bellingham that Old Trafford is the best place for him.
Barcelona are keen to hold on to the Dutchman, as the dynamics in the team are changing fast. With the future of Sergio Busquets at Barcelona not assured, the Catalan giants are already building a midfield for the future. Laporta claims he never wanted to sell De Jong as he is one of their best players.
De Jong is taking on a more vital position in the team. Of the 14 La Liga games Barcelona has played this season, De Jong has featured in 13, with the Blaugrana currently top of the table.
Barcelona expects the 25-year-old to shoulder a crucial weight for the team. He will become a senior figure for Xavi as the likes of Gavi and Pedri play vital roles.
