Barcelona’s star Frenkie de Jong was extensively linked with Manchester United in the summer of 2022, and the club has reminded him of their long-standing interest ahead of the January transfer window. 

When he arrived at Old Trafford from Ajax and looked to jumpstart his squad revamp, the midfielder appeared to be at the top of Erik ten Hag’s shortlist.

United and Barcelona agreed on a £69 million plan that would have reunited De Jong with his previous mentor, and while the Spanish giants accepting United’s offering was a huge step forward in negotiations, a deal ultimately fell through.

In the end, it came down to the Dutch international’s unwillingness to leave Catalonia. Ten Hag simply could not persuade De Jong’s abilities to leave the Camp Nou, and United were forced to look elsewhere, continuing their quest in Spain and recruiting Real Madrid stalwart Casemiro.

De Jong responds to the United States’ interest

There hasn’t been much talk of the Reds resuming their pursuit of the 26-year-old in recent months, although a writer did mention it in a recent interview with De Jong.

He told NOS (as cited by Fabrizio Romano) that he was at the club of his ambitions, the reigning La Liga champions, but when asked about links with United and a new league offering “new impulses,” De Jong said, “Possibly.” But I’m extremely happy at Barca. It’s always difficult to say… but for the time being, I’m happy here!”