What Barcelona have said about Frenkie de Jong's future ahead of potential Manchester United transfer

Barcelona have rejected fresh claims they are planning for Frenkie de Jong's departure to Manchester United this summer.

The Manchester Evening News revealed last month that United are weighing up a potential £75million move for De Jong and that Erik ten Hag had identified the player as a priority target. De Jong enjoyed a successful period under Ten Hag at Ajax between 2017 and 2019. The pair have a strong relationship and it's understood Ten Hag would like to bring the midfielder to Old Trafford.

Barcelona's financial problems are well documented and it appears the Catalan giants would be open to a sale, to raise some much-needed capital, so what has the club said about De Jong's future? We've taken a look at what has been said below.

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February 2022

Xavi has been regularly asked about De Jong this season and he insisted he would be at Barcelona for many years in February.

"For me, Frenkie is a great player. He had some discomfort in his calf which didn't allow him to play well in the Supercopa against Real Madrid," Xavi said.

"Now he looks comfortable, he isn't losing the ball, he's helping in defence, he's getting into the box, he's scoring goals. He's a player to be at Barca for many years.

"He's happy here. There are a lot of games, and we'll have to rotate in midfield as it's very demanding physically but he's important. He's playing at a very good level. He's very demanding on himself. He's a great professional and he'll keep improving."

May 2022

Xavi's stance on De Jong stayed the same three months later, but the Spaniard did discuss Barcelona's financial issues.

“I have said many times that Frenkie is very important. He's a key