Barcelona dismiss claims that they are preparing for De Jong transfer to Man Utd
Barcelona vice-president Eduard Romeu has dismissed reports that the La Liga club are planning for Frenkie de Jong’s potential sale to Man Utd.
With Erik ten Hag taking over as the new permanent manager at Old Trafford, De Jong’s name has come up on multiple occasions as a potential signing for the Red Devils this summer.
The Netherlands international played under his compatriot at Ajax during a successful spell at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, in which they reached the Champions League semi-finals.
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Things haven’t quite gone the way De Jong would’ve wanted during his time at Barcelona so far with the Catalan giants only winning a single Copa del Rey trophy in his three seasons at the club.
Despite the poor financial situation at Barcelona, Romeu has claimed that they haven’t budgeted for player departures and that he expects De Jong to stay this summer.
“We have not budgeted for the sale of players,” Romeu said. “Frenkie de Jong? If he leaves, it’s a technical decision, not an economic one. But I repeat, we have planned no departure.”
Barça VP for finance Eduard Romeu: ‘We have not budgeted a single € for player sales, any exits would be technical (decisions).” Let’s see how that ages this summer
— Samuel Marsden (@samuelmarsden) June 3, 2022
Speaking in an interview while on international duty, De Jong did little to boost Man Utd supporters’ hopes of landing him this summer.
“I used to be reckless when I was asked about other clubs, that time has passed,” De Jong said earlier this week when asked about a potential move to Man Utd.
On whether he had been approached by other clubs, De Jong replied: “I can’t say anything about that but I prefer to stay at Barcelona.
“I have already said it before, Barcelona are the club of my dreams since I was little. If other clubs call I will take the call, of course. It is something that is always done.”
De Jong admits he is aware of the Man Utd links and rumours Barcelona could have to sell him. The Dutchman added: “Of course I get that, too.
“But I have not heard anything from the club’s management, so I assume that nothing is concrete, or that an agreement has already been reached. Then there’s no point in worrying about it.”
On the speculation surrounding a possible move to be reunited with Ten Hag at Old Trafford, De Jong continued: “That is a logical link, given my past with Erik ten Hag. But that’s what it is… the link is logical, anyone can make it.
“I can’t say anything more about that. I wouldn’t do that when it comes to other clubs or coaches.”
