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
  • 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

“I don’t fight for a country” – Michael 'Venom' Page reveals why he won’t walk out with a flag at UFC LondonGeoff Stellfox/Getty ImagesLerone Murphy details ‘bucket list’ fight ahead of UFC LondonChris Unger/Zuffa LLC“All we want is people who really want to die for the shirt” – Danny Dyer talks West Ham, football agents and the toughest firms in the gameOne Last DealWhy Donald Trump lacks power on Iran's participation at World Cup as 'likely decision date' revealedGetty

Advert

Choose your content:

11 hours ago
12 hours ago
13 hours ago
14 hours ago
  • Getty
    11 hours ago

    England star switches allegiance to Ireland for World Cup qualifiers

    Heimir Hallgrímsson has made his picks ahead of the upcoming World Cup play-off semi-finals.

    Football
  • Getty
    12 hours ago

    Man United cult hero launches shock new career on TikTok after failing to find club

    The former Manchester United star is currently without a club and has embarked on a new venture.

    Football
  • Getty
    13 hours ago

    Luis Enrique's response to being asked about taking the Man Utd job

    Paris Saint Germain boss Luis Enrique has been linked with Manchester United.

    Football
  • Getty
    14 hours ago

    Congress take ICE action ahead of World Cup as three bills introduced

    Concerns remain over ICE agents' involvement during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    Football
  • Frenkie De Jong Holds Nothing Back With 'Scandal' Comments As Barcelona Thrashed
  • Xavi drops Lionel Messi bombshell as Barcelona 'betrayal' revealed
  • Marcus Rashford future thrown into doubt as Barcelona pursue second Premier League star
  • Liverpool interested in Frenkie de Jong to sort midfield problems