Manchester United Rule Out €70m Move for Barcelona Captain

Manchester United Rule Out €70m Move for Barcelona Captain Frenkie de Jong

Frenkie de Jong, a key player for FC Barcelona, has long been rumored to be on the move. Despite his significant role at the Catalan club, recent developments suggest he is likely to stay put for the upcoming season.

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One major factor contributing to his likely stay is an ongoing ankle injury sustained towards the end of last season, which he is still recovering from. This injury has complicated any potential transfer.

According to SPORT and Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, Manchester United—who had shown considerable interest in De Jong—have now ruled out a move for the Dutch midfielder. Despite earlier speculation, there are currently no negotiations in progress.

De Jong was frequently linked with a move to United, partly due to the presence of Erik ten Hag, who previously managed him at Ajax and wanted to reunite with him. Ten Hag has already brought several former Ajax players to Old Trafford, including Antony, Lisandro Martinez, and Andre Onana, making the link to De Jong seem plausible.

However, the transfer is not happening at this time. De Jong’s situation at Barcelona remains uncertain as he focuses on his recovery. Although there is no fixed date for his return, coach Xavi Flick has hinted that he could be back after the September international break.

Flick views De Jong as a crucial player and is not keen on his departure. Meanwhile, De Jong, mindful of his recurring ankle issues, is prioritizing his full recovery to avoid further setbacks.