Manchester United have been pursuing Frenkie de Jong for most of the summer but it seems their attempts to bring the Dutchman to Old Trafford are likely to end in failure.Although Barcelona reportedly need to cash-in on the 25-year-old, who arrived at Camp Nou from Ajax in 2019, the player himself appears to have little desire to reunite with Erik ten Hag in north-west England.De Jong said he was already at “the biggest club in the world†when asked about his future last month and reportedly has a list of 10 reasons why a move to Man Utd doesn’t interest him.This is according to Catalan publication Sport, who have published the list of 10 reasons why De Jong is highly likely to say ‘no’ to a move to Old Trafford - even if a fee is agreed between United and Barça.
What are De Jong's 10 reasons for rejecting Man Utd?
1. He has bought a house in Pedralbes
De Jong only recently purchased a new properly in one of Barcelona’s most sought-after areas, Pedralbes.
The Netherlands international wouldn’t have made such a large investment if he didn’t think he’d be playing at Barça for many years to come.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 17: Frenkie De Jong of FC Barcelona looks on during the UEFA Europa League Knockout Round Play-Off Leg One match between FC Barcelona and SSC Napoli at Camp Nou on February 17, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
2. His partner, Mikky Kiemeney, loves Barcelona and has strong links in the city
De Jong recently got engaged to partner, Mikky Kiemeney, who loves Barcelona and doesn’t see herself leaving the city, according to Sport’s report.
The young couple have many friends and are said to be ‘extremely happy’ where they are.
3. His dream club is Barça, not United
Manchester United might be one of the world’s biggest clubs, but so are Barcelona - and De Jong, since childhood, has only ever had eyes for the Catalan giants.
4. No Champions League
The same reason why Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave Man Utd, De Jong knows that in order to cement his status as one of the world’s best midfielders, he needs to be playing in European club football’s most prestigious competition.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 14: Frenkie de Jong of Barcelona is challenged by Joshua Kimmich of Bayern Munich during the UEFA Champions League group E match between FC Barcelona and Bayern Muenchen at Camp Nou on September 14, 2021 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
5. United are jinxed
De Jong believes that Man Utd might be jinxed after watching the English heavyweights struggle from afar in the years since Sir Alex Ferguson retired. Even United fans will understand where Frenkie is coming from here.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 09: Harry Maguire of Manchester United reacts during the Premier League match between Everton and Manchester United at Goodison Park on April 09, 2022 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
6. The Manchester weather
The Manchester weather is often joked about but it really does matter to some players. De Jong and his fiancée love the climate in Barcelona and the thought of moving to rainy Manchester doesn’t appeal to them.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 11: David de Gea of Manchester United is seen in the rain during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Leicester City at Old Trafford on May 11, 2021 in Manchester, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Peter Powell - Pool/Getty Images)
7. Convinced he can deliver for Xavi
De Jong first caught the eye at Ajax thanks to his bravery on the ball and the way he’d drive forward from the back, marauding past opponents in the process. However, Xavi doesn’t want the Dutchman to have so much freedom on the pitch. He wants him to be more static at times, holding his position when required. The pair have had many conversations about this issue and De Jong is prepared to adapt his game to satisfy his manager’s demands.
MUNICH, GERMANY - DECEMBER 07: Xavier Hernández i Creus, head coach of FC Barcelona looks on during a FC Barcelona training session at Allianz Arena on December 07, 2021 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
8. Barça salary
It’s difficult for any club to match what Barcelona are currently paying De Jong. The Sun recently revealed that the midfielder can earn up to £450,000 a week if he meets all his bonuses. De Jong is also owed £17 million in deferred wages, according to The Guardian, and so it makes financial sense for him to stay put.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 20: Frenkie de Jong of FC Barcelona gives his thumbs up during the La Liga Santander match between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol at Camp Nou on November 20, 2021 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
9. Doesn't like the campaign for him to leave
Remarkably, De Jong hasn’t been told anything - not from the board nor the recruitment team - about the need for him to leave Barcelona. He isn’t happy about the ‘mobbing’ that’s pushing him towards the Premier League and believes a campaign has been created for him to leave Camp Nou.
MUNICH, GERMANY - DECEMBER 08: Frenkie de Jong of Barcelona looks dejected after the second goal during the UEFA Champions League group E match between FC Bayern München and FC Barcelona at Football Arena Munich on December 08, 2021 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
10. Contacts between Barça and United
Moreover, De Jong is also unhappy about the contacts between Barcelona and Man Utd that have been going on behind his back.Â
BARCELONA, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 20: Frenkie de Jong of FC Barcelona looks on during the La Liga Santander match between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol at Camp Nou on November 20, 2021 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
But a move to Chelsea could tempt Frenkie de Jong...
Interestingly, Sport claim it might be a different story if Chelsea are serious about signing De Jong.
It’s claimed that life in London, Champions League football, a squad of great players and a top coach in Thomas Tuchel could sway him to leave Barcelona if his current employers are intent on selling him.
Watch this space.
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De Jong 'rejects' Ten Hag (Football Terrace)