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Frenkie de Jong responds to Manchester United transfer interest

Frenkie de Jong
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The Dutch midfielder played down reports of a summer exit from Barcelona as he prepares for the Nations League.

Frenkie de Jong has reiterated his desire to stay at Barcelona amid reports of interest from Manchester United.

The Netherlands international’s future has been up in the air for much of the year. While Barcelona want to keep him, the Catalan giants are open to selling players to raise funds this summer.

This has ignited rumors of interest from across Europe for De Jong. One club that has been frequently linked to the midfielder is Manchester United, the Premier League side coached by the player’s former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag.

‘I prefer to stay with Barca’

But De Jong has played down the prospect of a move to Old Trafford, insisting he wants to continue at Camp Nou.

“Not that I know of in any case,” he told ESPN Netherlands when asked about a rumored agreement with United.

“Either that or they must not have told me, but I don’t think so.”

De Jong added: “What I’m saying is there is absolutely no agreement or anything official. At the moment, there is no question at all. [But] I don’t respond to rumors anymore. I feel good at Barcelona. I prefer to stay with Barca.”

De Jong joined Barcelona from Ajax in 2019 for a transfer fee of €85 million. He has since made 139 appearances for the La Liga club, supplying 13 goals and 17 assists.

The 25-year-old has played under four managers in Catalonia and has won the Copa del Rey so far.

“I have said it many times: Barcelona is my dream club,” De Jong said. “It has been from a young age. I have never regretted my decision [to come here] despite the fact that I had hoped for more in terms of prizes than I’ve achieved so far. But I have never regretted my choice.”

De Jong is preparing for the Netherlands’ UEFA Nations League games against Belgium, Poland, and Wales from June 3 until June 14.

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