When Erik ten Hag reigned at Old Trafford, the order to the United management was clear: Get me Frenkie de Jong!. It went so far that United agreed with the Barcelona management, who desperately needed euros to manoeuvre within the financial requirements of La Liga. Ten Hag’s former midfield general at Ajax refused to budge. Linked to an exit in every transfer window since 2023, the Dutchman closed the door for good in October with an extension at Camp Nou. Now the playmaker explains why.
“I definitely think that the Premier League is the best league right now,” he says, and says that La Liga had that status ten years ago. That’s not the case anymore, but it doesn’t mean you have to play in the Premier League to show that you’re a good player,” De Jong said.
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He recently extended his contract at Barcelona, where he is thriving. For a Dutchman, Barcelona also means something very special. This was the club of the greatest of them all, Johan Cruyff.
“Barcelona has always been the club for me. Every footballer dreams of playing here at some point. I’ve felt that way since I was a child,” De Jong said.
Who don’t need Manchester United or the Premier League. He is living the dream.
We’re guessing Man Utd fans are also grateful that Erik ten Hag wasn’t able to push through a transfer on De Jong. It is rather doubtful that the midfielder’s motivation would have been great enough to wear the Man Utd shirt.
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