“Things were restless” – Frenkie de Jong addresses Manchester United transfer saga

The summer of 2022 saw Erik ten Hag embark on his first transfer window as Manchester United manager, with Frenkie de Jong a primary target.

Frenkie de Jong‘s Manchester United transfer saga was the story of the summer, with months of drawn-out negotiations coupled with Barcelona‘s financial struggles making for fantastic entertainment.

It was a summer that saw De Jong targetted by Erik ten Hag as one of the primary players he wanted to build his United squad around, although the transfer ultimately did not materialise and the Dutch midfielder stayed a Barcelona player.

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“That has been clear to me, also last summer when things were restless for a while,” he explained to Voetbal International when asked if he saw his future in Barcelona. “I always knew that I wanted to stay at Barcelona.”

He then hinted that although there was discomfort surrounding the ever-present reports of his potential departure, with Barcelona having made an attempt to sell him last summer despite his want to stay at the club, he was not worried: “That’s why it wasn’t so stressful for me last summer.

“Also, I had just signed a contract extension (in 2020) so I always felt that I was in control and able to decide for myself,” he explained. “That’s why I didn’t bother (worrying about being sold). I feel good at Barcelona and assume that I will still be playing here next season.”

“My relationship with the president is good. In reality, it has never been bad,” De Jong has previously insisted. “Of course, there was this situation last summer, but my relationship with him is good.”

Although there were reports earlier this calendar year that Ten Hag still holds an interest in De Jong, the chances of the saga being reignited are slim.