De Jong confirms he will NOT replace Busquets at Barcelona amid Man Utd interest

Cameron Smith

• 21 May 2023 13:13 BST
• 3 min read

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has insisted that he will not replace Sergio Busquets this summer as the Blaugrana prepare for the veteran's departure.

De Jong, 26, has been linked with a move to Manchester United since Erik ten Hag's appointment last summer, but the Dutchman remains focused on Barcelona. However, he is keen to stress that he will not replace Busquets' role, fuelling yet more speculation of a move for Ruben Neves or Ilkay Gundogan.

When he was signed from Ajax in 2019, many expected De Jong to eventually take over Busquets' position in the Barcelona starting XI, but the Dutch international has featured more regularly in a box-to-box role at Camp Nou and has suited that role far better than when deployed deeper.

READ: Barcelona handed major blow in race to sign La Liga star as Busquets' replacement

It's something De Jong himself is keen to stress too. "I hear it often [touted as Busquets' successor], but I think we are different players. He is a real fixed ‘6’ according to the Barcelona profile. I need freedom of movement," he told Sport.

De Jong to stay at Barcelona

Last summer, De Jong was heavily linked with a transfer to Old Trafford, but the player himself rebuffed Man Utd's approaches in order to stay at Barcelona.

READ: Erik ten Hag is told a clear 'no' in the battle for De Jong alternative

"The club was in a difficult situation. They could have sold me very expensive, they wanted to and there were talks with Manchester United, but I didn’t want to leave and I stayed," De Jong admitted.

"Some little things [I miss about the Netherlands], but I think life here is fantastic. If I and the club continue to be fine, I would prefer to stay here as long as possible."

The midfielder has made 40 appearances in all competitions this season, netting twice and providing three assists. De Jong's current deal at the club runs until 2026 after he signed an extension just one year after joining.