Frenkie de Jong has said he has no intention of leaving Barcelona due to ongoing ties with Manchester United.
The 25-year-old midfielder was closely linked with a move to Old Trafford in the off-season, but it never materialized despite the best efforts of United’s Dutch manager Erik ten Hag to convince him.
The situation has been compounded by De Jong’s contract situation with financially struggling Barcelona, which has turned it into a protracted saga, fueling speculation that United could switch to him again at the end of this season.
But De Jong has made it clear he has no intention of leaving Camp Nou, where he has a contract until 2026.
“I was calm because I knew I wanted to stay at Barca and I didn’t change my mind,” De Jong told RAC1.
“I have always dreamed of playing for Barcelona and I want to succeed at Barça. Now I am calm and I want to continue my career at Barça.
De Jong, who joined Barcelona from Ajax in 2019, added that he still has a lot to do with the Catalans.
“I have never won La Liga,” he said. “This is my fourth year here and this is the time I’ve been closer. But there is still a long way to go.
“This is our main goal, and we will make every effort to achieve it.”
De Jong has made 18 starts with four appearances as a substitute in 24 La Liga games this season, ensuring he has been a key part of their success with a nine-point lead with 14 games to go.
“The four-midfield system works for me, but apart from that, this year I play more in the base midfield, where I feel more comfortable,” he said.
“And then I have more freedom in movement, driving and overcoming obstacles. Busquets helps me a lot because it conveys a lot of calmness. He’s very confident with the ball and defensively he’s a lot better than people think.”
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 9, 2023
