Dutch midfielder Frenkie De Jong has stated that Ajaxhe would like to remain in Barcelona for many years after more reports emerged of him being a target for Manchester United.
The Barcelona midfielder has long since been on the radar of the Premier League giants. Their interest spiked when they appointed Erik ten Hag from Ajax Amsterdam.
The Dutch manager worked to great effect for two years with De Jong when he was at Ajax and is desperate to work with him again. He has charged United with doing all they can to secure the midfielder’s signature but it has been rebuffed time and again by De Jong.
Barcelona reportedly tried to force the move but the 25-year-old stood his ground and has shown that he belongs in the club with the performances he has put in since then. Xavi Hernandez, the club’s coach, has also expressed confidence in De Jong, slowing down the club’s desperation to move the midfielder on.
Their dire financial situation does not help either. De Jong is one of their most valuable assets and is worth at least £70 million. That money could solve several problems for Barcelona and Joan Laporta is reportedly seriously considering it. However, it looks like he will be faced with the same resistance from the midfielder as he did in the summer.
De Jong gave an interview to Spanish outlet RAC1 on the issue. “I’m very calm here, very happy at Barcelona. I hope to stay at Barca for many years.”
Former Manchester United midfielders Owen Hargreaves and Paul Scholes believe that United should not give up on De Jong.
They expressed these opinions when Barcelona and Man United met in the UEFA Europa League round of 32.
“Yeah of course,” Scholes told BT Sport when asked if United should launch a fresh move for the Dutchman. “He is a wonderful footballer. I disagree slightly with Owen [Hargreaves] thinking he is better in the pivot position as a Busquets type.
“I think he was probably brought here to replace Busquets but Busquets keeps going. I think he is more suited to that role.
“I don’t think he [de Jong] likes playing in that forward role. But in my opinion he is better in that holding role where he replaces Busquets.”
Hargreaves added: “You would love to see Frenkie de Jong play at Old Trafford, he can play deeper as a pivot or a little bit further forward which I think is his best position.
“A fantastic footballer, can dribble and I think United fans will be looking out for him today but I’m sure all the big teams in the Premier League would love to have this guy because he makes you that much better.”
