De Jong was 'very upset' with Barcelona chiefs after failed Man Utd transfer

18 October 2023 , 00:00

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Frenkie de Jong was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United in 2022 (Image: Getty Images)

Frenkie de Jong was 'very upset' with how Barcelona handled the situation when Manchester United wanted to sign the midfielder back in 2022.

Erik ten Hag had made the Netherlands international his top transfer target after he was appointed as the club's new permanent manager almost 18 months ago. A summer-long transfer saga saw United even agree to a fee in the region of £56million with Barcelona for De Jong, though the Red Devils still needed to agree personal terms.

The move never materialised, with De Jong sticking put at Barcelona as United eventually signed Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, instead. De Jong ended up making 43 appearances across all competitions for Barcelona last season, and has been a mainstay under Xavi Hernandez so far this term.

But, according to Sport, it has been reported that the 26-year-old was left angry with how Barcelona tried to sell him and that damaged his relationship with the club's board. Now, it is understood De Jong has 'calmed down' and the connection between the player and club is being repaired.

Barcelona are also trying to tie De Jong down to a new long-term deal, after starting six of their opening seven matches before spraining his ankle. De Jong's current Barcelona contract is set to run out in 2026, but the club want him to take a pay cut for the next two years.

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It is unknown whether De Jong will agree to that proposal, although Barcelona do see him as one of the best midfielders in world football. He has played 190 matches for the Catalan side since his big-money move from Ajax in 2019, winning the Copa del Rey and La Liga along the way.

Frenkie de Jong in action for Barcelona last month (Getty Images)

De Jong has become a favourite of Xavi over the past 12 months and the Barcelona boss admitted he was surprised to see the amount of criticism he has faced, having forced his way back into the side. "A footballer who is a 10 is an eight," he said earlier this month.

"A player who is an eight is a six. That's why it's the most difficult club in the world for players. Frenkie is one of the best in the world. And he is when he trains. That's why some people are surprised. They see him training and they think: why is he so criticised."

Barcelona have got a plethora of talent in midfield at their disposal. Gavi, Ilkay Gundogan and Fermin Lopez started as a three in their most recent outing against Granada, leaving Oriol Romeu and Sergi Roberto on the bench. De Jong and Pedri were both unavailable for that match.

Kieran King