Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong has attracted transfer interest from “five top European clubs” -- but a move to Manchester United has been ruled out.
That is according to John de Jong, who has revealed his son is unlikely to move to the Premier League due to the “bad weather.”
De Jong arrived at Barcelona in 2019 in a stunning £65m transfer from Ajax, but the Dutchman has failed to live up to high expectations at the Camp Nou.
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The 24-year-old midfielder, who is under contract until 2026, has been linked with a move to Old Trafford amid Barcelona’s attempts to raise funds for new transfers.
United interim manager Ralf Rangnick is believed to be an admirer of De Jong and wanted to sign the £60m-rated Dutch star in a bid to strengthen his midfield options.
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However, De Jong’s father has now claimed that the Barcelona midfielder is unlikely to consider a move to Bayern Munich or United due to the weather.
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When asked about Bayern and United, he told Algemeen Dagblad: “It’s often bad weather there. Of course, it’s about football, but it does matter.
“Of course, I know that Barcelona needs money and a great offer for Frenkie could help, but I don't see it happening anytime soon. Although, the five top European clubs have all called.”
De Jong has made 112 appearances during his two-and-a-half seasons at the Camp Nou and scored 10 times and registered 14 assists in Barcelona colours.
The Netherlands international’s only major honour at Barcelona came last season with the Spanish club’s Copa del Rey triumph.
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Barcelona manager Xavi is a big fan of De Jong and ruled out a transfer for the former Ajax star, saying he is the “type of player” they need.
“Our goal is for Frenkie to be happy here,” he said. “We desperately need that type of player.
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“He is definitely not in the shop window, rather the opposite. The idea is to make him stronger here.”
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Frenkie De Jong, Barcelona, La Liga, Spain, Football, Manchester United, Bayern Munich