Man Utd suffer blow in De Jong chase after Laporta comments

Karan Tejwani

• Updated: 23 May 2023 09:00 CDT
• 3 min read

Manchester United have suffered a blow in the hope of singing Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong next summer after President Joan Laporta’s latest comments.

Over the summer, United spent 17 weeks chasing de Jong but were unsuccessful in their attempts to do so.

They were able to find a break in negotiations with Barcelona but De Jong’s issue over his deferred wages held the move back and he remained at the club.

READ: Time for Man Utd to give up following Frenkie De Jong's latest snub

Now, Laporta’s comments have put a further dent in Manchester United’s hopes and a move may not be as easy as the Red Devils would like next year.

Fresh Frenkie blow for United

Laporta has often said in the past that he is adamant on keeping De Jong at the club and the player himself has wanted to remain at the Camp Nou.

Speaking to the club’s media channels, Laporta admitted that it’s always been his desire to see him remain in Barcelona and praises his qualities.

READ: Ten Hag's Dream Man Utd XI

Laporta on De Jong future

He said: “In midfield I have never wanted to sell Frenkie de Jong because he is one of the best players we have. He is one of the great talents, young, and one of the leaders of the team.”

Laporta then spoke about the club’s other midfield options like Pedri and Gavi, comparing them to the great duo of Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

“Xavi has always been like that, he has never liked to show off, that’s why he said that Pedri and Gavi are better than him and Iniesta,' claimed Laporta. Obviously the comparison is logical, they play in the same positions and are similar but they are aware that to reach the level of Iniesta or Xavi they have to work hard and that’s where we are.”

Earlier this week, it was reported by the Manchester Evening News that De Jong has told Ten Hag he would be open to moving to Old Trafford in the future, but how true that is remains to be seen.