Why Man Utd-target Frenkie de Jong failed to become a Barcelona superstar

Karan Tejwani

• Updated: 27 Jun 2022 09:52 BST
• 3 min read

Frenkie de Jong may be close to leaving Barcelona to join Manchester United, according to reports in Spain, and that would put an end to a three-year stay at the Blaugrana.

The Dutchman joined the club in the summer of 2019 for a hefty €75 million fee from Ajax, but he has not lived up to expectations, despite the high potential and excitement around his signing.

Manchester United's new boss Erik ten Hag, who previously worked with the player at Ajax, has been interested in bringing him over to Old Trafford, and negotiations may finally come to an end, as a fee of €65m plus add-ons has reportedly been agreed.

The 25-year-old has been a fan of Barcelona since before he joined, so it’s a shame for him that his time in Catalonia hasn’t been as fruitful as he would’ve hoped.

Why hasn't it worked out for Frenkie de Jong?

De Jong is clearly very talented, but his time at Barcelona not going to plan has come as a result of several factors – some even beyond his control.

For starters, the lack of continuity and consistency at club level certainly hindered his progress: in his three full seasons there, he has had four head coaches in Ernesto Valverde, Quique Setien, Ronald Koeman and Xavi.

Factor in that he has had a new head coach at the start of all but one season in his senior career and it’s hardly a good sign for a player like him.

Another reason has been the club’s financial mess: from failing to secure adequate transfers to seeing key stars – like Lionel Messi – depart to the club’s administrative problems, it’s been a difficult period.

In his time, De Jong has played under two Presidents as well – Josep Bartomeu, who signed him, and Joan Laporta, the current President – and the lack of stability at the club has had an effect on the team.

On the pitch, though, De Jong has been unable to impose himself like he did at Ajax, and there was a feeling Xavi was finally the right coach for him.

Although he has shown glimpses of his quality, the competition in an improving midfield has often affected De Jong, with the likes of Pedri, Nico and Gavi all coming through the ranks.

A chance to reunite with Ten Hag – who got the best out of him at Ajax – could prove to be the spark he needs, and should De Jong move to Manchester United, it could be a smart transfer for the player.