Xavi opens up on Frenkie de Jong to Manchester United transfer battle

Frenkie de Jong will take centre stage at the Nou Camp this week when Barcelona host Manchester United. An injury to Sergio Busquets places the Dutchman in a particularly prominent role.

De Jong was subject of heavy transfer interest from Manchester United back in the summer. The Athletic reported a fee of £63 million was agreed with Barcelona, but the midfielder refused to leave.

A report this week claims De Jong ‘has not forgotten’ the way the club treated him, attempting to sell him against his wishes.

Predictably ahead of the game, De Jong was discussed by both managers in the press conferences, who both spoke candidly of their admiration for him.

Xavi on De Jong
Barcelona boss Xavi was quoted by their club website speaking about his conversations with the midfielder last summer.

He explained that he is happy with the end decision, with De Jong’s importance growing as the season goes on.

Xavi said: “Frenkie was very frank with me and told me he wanted to stay. He is our player and we are very happy with the results and his leadership.

“He has found some great form and is working well with his team-mates. They are enjoying themselves on the pitch.”

Ten Hag on De Jong
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag did not shy away from questions about Frenkie de Jong when asked about him.

He told United’s club website: “I think we had [at Ajax] like a class of 2019 that was a team that was with a lot of fascination, and he brings a lot of that fascination and I think he developed in the years after here in Spain.

“He became even better. He is a fantastic player, playing out for the back, he always has time. It was a pleasure to work with him.”

De Jong explained his desire to want to add him to his side last summer.

He said: “Frenkie is an incredible player and for every club in the whole world he will strengthen the squad because he has a unique quality.

“If you can get him in the squad your team will be stronger.”

Whether United have the desire to want to try and lure De Jong away this summer remains to be seen, that’s not on Ten Hag’s mind right now.

All that matters to the Dutchman at present is winning the next game, and getting the better of De Jong’s Barcelona.