MIRROR
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed that the Spanish giants received a mega-money offer for Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong last summer – and has claimed fresh bids have been tabled.
The Red Devils were strongly linked with a move for the Dutch midfielder as Erik ten Hag aimed to add to his midfield options at Old Trafford. He was identified as a prime target, whilst it was reported that Barcelona were open to selling due to the dire financial situation at the Camp Nou.
In the end, an agreement could not be found between the three parties. United were then forced to look elsewhere for recruits.
They eventually sealed the services of Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, who moved to Old Trafford in a £60m switch from Real Madrid. He enjoyed an excellent debut campaign as a Red Devil.
De Jong’s future continues to look uncertain, however. President Laporta has confirmed that he has once again received offers for the former Ajax star following last summer’s huge offer.
However, he has ruled out a sale and fully expects De Jong to play a part as Barca attempt to defend their LaLiga title next season. Speaking to TV3, he said: “Last year it happened and we were worse. We had an offer of €100m (£86m) for De Jong and we were right not to accept it.
“We’ve received offers for Pedri, Ansu Fati, Christensen, de Jong and Araujo but we think they have to continue. They are the present and the future of the club.”
De Jong has recently spoken out on last summer’s saga and confirmed that it was always his plan to stay at the Camp Nou. “That [staying] has been clear to me, also last summer when things were restless for a while,” he told Voetbal International.
“I always knew that I wanted to stay at Barcelona. 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 added. “That’s why I didn’t bother [worrying about it]. I feel good at Barcelona and assume that I will still be playing here next season.”
