After losing his starting place to Gavi in midfield, Frenkie de Jong was oh-so-close to leaving Barcelona in the summer, with Manchester United ready to offer €85 million for the Dutchman’s services.
However, the move failed to go through as de Jong refused to leave the Catalan capital. He has always been open about his desire to succeed at Barcelona and was not going to leave in search of other pastures this early in his tenure.
His situation seems to have taken a complete u-turn in recent months, as SPORT report that he is now ‘untouchable’ at the club on Xavi’s demands. The coach has asked the administration to not listen to any offers for de Jong.
Further, Barça will not ask the player to reduce his salary either after months of trying (and failing) at that pursuit.
The midfielder is coming off an impressive World Cup tenure with the Netherlands. The Oranjes reached the quarter-finals of the tournament before being eliminated at the hands of Argentina.
Recent reports have stated that Manchester United have made fresh contacts with de Jong, but realise that a January move will be impossible.
That said, de Jong is happy with life at Barcelona amid the transfer rumours, and is only thinking about his place at Camp Nou.
Fabrizio Romano has also stated that Chelsea were interested apart from Man United, but the situation has not changed for the player.
In the past, reports have claimed that Barcelona will begin talks with the Dutchman over a new contract, albeit with a reduced salary. It remains to be seen if de Jong accepts the revised wages offered to him or leaves Barcelona to maintain/increase his salary.