Netherlands midfielder Frenkie de Jong has revealed that he would prefer to stay at Barcelona this summer instead of joining Manchester United.
Erik ten Hag is keen to reunite with the former Ajax star at Old Trafford following their successful time together in Amsterdam.
However, despite the 52-year-old wanting to kickstart his United reign with the signing of De Jong, the 25-year-old wants to stay at the Nou Camp and fight for a place in Xavi’s starting line-up.
“I prefer to stay with Barcelona,” De Jong told ESPN.
“Barcelona is just my dream club. Also from a young age. I just said it too. I’ve never regretted my choice despite the fact that I had hoped for more in terms of prizes than I’ve achieved so far. But I have never regretted my choice.”
Frenkie de Jong prefers to stay at Barcelona over joining Manchester United
The talented midfield technician won the Eredivisie and reached the Champions League semi-finals under the stewardship of Ten Hag before Barcelona splashed out £65m to bring him to the Nou Camp in 2019.
Given Barcelona’s need to sell this summer to bring players in, De Jong could still prove to be one of the biggest names that is sold.
If Blaugrana could recoup the £65m they spent on De Jong then that money would go towards Xavi bringing other players in.
But despite constantly being linked with a switch to the Theatre of Dreams, Barcelona’s number 21 has said that there has been no contact with his former boss or the Red Devils.
He added: “What I’m saying, there is absolutely nothing of an agreement or anything official. At the moment there is no question of it at all.
“Not that I know of in any case. Or they must not have told me, but I don’t think so.”
Although things can change quickly in football – a move to M16 looks unlikely for De Jong currently and he doesn’t look set to become the latest player that has played with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.