Frenkie de Jong deals Man Utd another hammer blow as he opens up on ‘restless’ transfer window
FRENKIE DE JONG has dealt Manchester United another transfer blow as he insisted he will still be at Barcelona next season.
The Dutchman was a top target for the Red Devils last summer and it was thought that manager Erik ten Hag could try again for him this year.
United saw bids rejected by Barcelona last year as they tried to capitalise on the LaLiga side’s poor financial situation.
However, De Jong remained at the Nou Camp and helped the club win the league title.
He now seems set to stay at the club for at least another season after a recent interview.
The midfielder also admitted to being “restless” during the last summer transfer window with continued speculation over his name.
But he did also insist that he was not to “stressed” as he was happy to stay at Barcelona.
He told Voetbal International: “That has been clear to me, also last summer when things were restless for a while.
“I always knew that I wanted to stay at Barcelona.
“That’s why it wasn’t so stressful for me last summer.
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“Also, I had just signed a contract extension [in 2020] so I always felt that I was in control and able to decide for myself.
“That’s why I didn’t bother [worrying about it]. I feel good at Barcelona and assume that I will still be playing here next season.”
De Jong’s contract at Barcelona is set to expire in 2026 and he is thought to be due a big step in his role at the club.
The midfielder will have to help fill the void left by Sergio Busquets who has left the club after 15 years.
De Jong added: “It will be different next season when Busquets is gone.
“He played for Barcelona for 15 years, you will notice that when such a great player leaves.
“I really enjoyed playing with him, especially when we were next to each other.
“We complemented each other really well and I learned a lot from him even though we are different types of players.”
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