Barcelona executives have recently admitted that they nearly made a grave mistake in considering the sale of midfielder Frenkie de Jong last summer. The Dutchman had been a top target for Manchester United and their manager Erik ten Hag. Who had previously coached De Jong at Ajax.
However, despite United’s interest and the issue of deferred wages owed to him by Barcelona, De Jong resisted any potential move to the English club. Reports suggest that Ten Hag remains keen on a reunion with the midfielder. Reports also suggest that Manchester United is planning to make another bid for De Jong in the summer.
FC Barcelona Stance
But any such move may be futile. Frankie De Jong’s status within the Barcelona team has risen significantly since last summer. Mundo Deportivo has reported that club executives now acknowledge that they made a mistake by even considering the sale of the Dutchman, and they are extremely pleased with his recent performances.
According to the publication, senior Barcelona officials have remarked, “Lucky we didn’t sell him.” They believe that De Jong’s talent and unique skillset make him a vital player in the team. Particularly given the youth of many of his teammates.
READ MORE | BARCELONA CORRUPTION SCANDAL
Moreover, if De Jong is comfortable at the club and not actively pursuing an exit, Barcelona has no intention of putting him on the market or making him available for transfer. Sources claim that De Jong understands Xavi’s tactics and expectations, and he has built an excellent relationship with his new manager.
Conclusion
It appears that De Jong’s future at Barcelona is secure, and fans can look forward to seeing more of his impressive performances on the pitch. The Dutchman’s loyalty to the club during a period of uncertainty and financial difficulty has not gone unnoticed, and he is now an integral part of Barcelona’s resurgence under Xavi’s guidance.