‘Things have been turbulent’ – Frenkie de Jong opens up on Manchester United transfer saga

In the summer of 2022, Erik ten Hag entered his first transfer window as Manchester United manager, with Frenkie de Jong as his main target.

Frenkie de Jong’s transfer saga to Manchester United was the story of the summer. Months of lengthy negotiations coupled with Barcelona’s financial difficulties have created fantastic entertainment.

It was a summer in which De Jong was targeted by Erik ten Hag as one of the main players he wanted to build his United team with, although the transfer was ultimately unsuccessful and the Dutch midfielder remained a Barcelona player.

“It was clear to me even last summer when things were turbulent for a while,” he told Voetbal International when asked if he sees his future at Barcelona. “I always knew I wanted to stay at Barcelona.”

He went on to imply he was not worried despite the ubiquitous reports of his possible exit making him feel uneasy given Barcelona tried to sell him last summer when he wanted to stay at the club. “That’s why last summer wasn’t so stressful for me. “Also, I had just signed a contract extension (in 2020) so I always felt like I was in control and I could make my own decisions,” he explained. “That’s why I wasn’t worried (I was afraid of being sold). I feel good at Barcelona and I guess I’ll play here again next season.”

“My relationship with the president is good. Actually, it has never been bad,” De Jong previously said. “Of course, there was this situation last summer, but my relationship with him is good. .”

Although there were reports earlier this calendar year that Ten Hag still has an interest in De Jong, the chances of the saga being revived are slim. ×