sportbible homepage
sportbible homepage
  • Football
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • Home
  • Football
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • World Cup
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Manchester United
    • Liverpool
    • Arsenal
    • Real Madrid
    • Barcelona
  • Formula 1
    • Red Bull
    • Ferrari
    • McLaren
    • Mercedes
    • Max Verstappen
    • Lewis Hamilton
    • Lando Norris
    • George Russell
    • Charles Leclerc
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • More Sport
    • Tennis
    • Golf
    • NBA
    • NFL
    • Darts
    • Athletics
    • Rugby
    • Wrestling
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Archive
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Snapchat
TikTok
Threads
YouTube
Submit Your Content Here
  • LADbible
  • Tyla
  • GAMINGbible
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • FOODbible
  • UNILAD Tech
Frenkie De Jong Didn't Play In Midfield In Barcelona Pre Season Friendly

Home> Football

Published 13:01 20 Jul 2022 GMT+1

Frenkie De Jong Didn't Play In Midfield In Barcelona Pre Season Friendly

De Jong's days at Barcelona look numbered, despite the fact he wants to stay, and the Man Utd target was played out of position on Tuesday.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

google discoverFollow us on Google Discover

Barcelona gave the biggest hint yet to Frenkie de Jong that he isn't needed at the Nou Camp, by leaving him out of their starting line up and playing him at centre back.

This summer's long and twisting transfer saga between De Jong, Barcelona and Manchester United seems to be never ending, with the Premier League side struggling to sign their top target.

It's been quite obvious that the midfielder doesn't really want to leave the Nou Camp and that Barca are willing to let him go in order to get his wages off the books, as they continue to spend big.

Advert

De Jong playing against Miami. Image: Alamy
De Jong playing against Miami. Image: Alamy

De Jong hasn't exactly hidden the fact he's not happy with how things have been handled, even liking a comment that said as much on social media.

If the 25-year-old is hoping that he can stay and force his way into Xavi's starting XI, then he was given a stark reminder that's unlikely to be the case on Tuesday.

The Spanish giants faced Inter Miami in their first game on tour in the US and De Jong started on the bench before being brought on at half time, along with a slew of other players, only to play in central defence.

Instead of the former Ajax midfielder, Xavi started with new man Franck Kessie, who is yet to be registered to play in the league, alongside Nico Gonzalez and Pedri.

The trio all came off at the break, but it was Gavi, Sergio Busquets and Pablo Torre who all played in midfield, with De Jong partnering Ronald Araujo at the back.

Only Kessie and Busquets are older than De Jong and it's the emergence of the four young central midfielders that has made him the obvious departure in the middle of the pitch.

Whilst he reportedly doesn't want to leave, there has been a report that he'd consider going to another Champions League club, rather than United.

Pedri was one of six players to play in midfield ahead of De Jong. Image: Alamy
Pedri was one of six players to play in midfield ahead of De Jong. Image: Alamy

Whilst it wasn't a good night for De Jong, some of his current teammates certainly enjoyed themselves, as the Spanish giants battered Phil Neville's Inter Miami side.

Raphinha appeared in his first match for the club, and his highlights were extremely impressive, as he scored one goal and set up two more in the opening 45 minutes.

Memphis Depay also reminded Xavi why he shouldn't be sold this summer, with a brilliant moment of skill to score the team's fifth of the night.

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Barcelona, La Liga, Premier League, Frenkie De Jong, Transfers, MLS, Inter Miami

Ryan Sidle
Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a journalist for SPORTbible with over eight years of experience. Passionate about all sports, he mainly covers football and F1 - Daniel Ricciardo once spent an entire interview referring to him as 'Ryan Gosling,' still his proudest moment.

X

@Sidler28

Recommended reads

Man Utd's 15 transfer targets to fill four key positions as at least six prepare to leaveGetty ImagesDennis Taylor interview: Why snooker legend is playing in brand-new event... and how he saved someone's lifeGettyRanking the top 10 best golfers of all time as Nicklaus v Woods GOAT debate settledGetty ImagesDavid Munyua and Peter Wachiuri interview: 'We wish for major PDC players to come and visit Kenya'Getty / Instagram/@wachiuridarts

Advert

Choose your content:

8 hours ago
9 hours ago
13 hours ago
14 hours ago
  • Getty Images
    8 hours ago

    "Listen..." - Michael Carrick speaks out on Man Utd players wanting to win the Premier League next season

    Carrick has responded to Mason Mount's comments.

    Football
  • Getty
    9 hours ago

    Fans react after Paul Pogba makes first start in 1,084 days as footage goes viral

    The former Manchester United man had not started a match in almost three years.

    Football
  • Getty Images
    13 hours ago

    Ryan Reynolds issues statement as Wrexham miss out on promotion to Premier League

    Ryan Reynolds has issued a statement after Wrexham fail to earn promotion to the Premier League.

    Football
  • Getty Images
    14 hours ago

    Liverpool make contact with Premier League club over £50m-rated star as Spurs and Chelsea circle

    Liverpool have reportedly made contact with Premier League club to sign their star as Spurs and Chelsea remain interested.

    Football
  • Frenkie De Jong Holds Nothing Back With 'Scandal' Comments As Barcelona Thrashed
  • Liverpool interested in Frenkie de Jong to sort midfield problems
  • Frenkie de Jong has 'disobeyed Barcelona bosses' as mystery absence takes new twist
  • Manchester United Target Frenkie De Jong 'Refuses' To Leave Barcelona