Why Frenkie De Jong is refusing to join Man Utd
Carlo Garganese
- Updated: 23 May 2023 08:55 CDT
- 3 min read
The father of Frenkie De Jong has virtually ruled out the possibility of the Barcelona star joining Manchester United because of the notoriously poor weather in the north of England.
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Man United are set to make a 2022 transfer bid for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, according to a number of reports in the English and Spanish media, and could make a move as early as January.
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The Red Devils are looking for at least one new central midfielder, as their current starting duo of Fred and Scott McTominay is below the standard needed to challenge for major titles.
Barcelona are understood to be considering a sale for two main reasons.
The main reason is a financial one. Barcelona are swimming in debts of over €1.3 billion and are desperately trying to raise cash and cut costs.
Xavi willing to let De Jong leave
The second reason is because Barca already possess the two best teenage central midfielders in world football in wonderkids Pedri and Gavi.
New Barcelona coach Xavi is a huge fan of both starlets and believes they can more than fill in the void if De Jong leaves.
Man Utd had been considered the favourites to sign De Jong in 2022, but there is also heavy interest from a number of other top European clubs, including Bayern Munich and PSG.
But De Jong’s father John has appeared to rule out the chance of his son moving to either Man Utd or Bayern due to the poor weather in Manchester and Munich.
What did De Jong’s father say about Manchester United?
“It's often bad weather there,' he told AD. “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, five top European clubs have all called.
“They (De Jong and his partner Mikky) are having such a great time in Barcelona. Life is great there. I'm there often. Even now you are in the sun with 16 degrees.”
De Jong joined Barcelona from Ajax in the summer of 2019 for €75 million but has largely failed to live up to his sky-high potential.
