£80million-rated world-class midfielder now considering January Manchester United move after harsh treatment from coach
£80million-rated world-class midfielder now considering January Manchester United move after harsh treatment from coach –
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is reportedly furious that Xavi has left him on the bench in key games this season, raising hopes that Manchester United could sign him in January.
It has recently emerged that the Premier League giants have not given up hope of securing the Dutch international, despite the midfielder refusing to join them this summer.
The Red Devils spent most of the transfer window chasing the former Ajax star in a deal worth £64m, but ended up missing out on Erik ten Hag’s main target because he was desperate to stay.
De Jong has played 10 times in all competitions for the Catalan giants this season, but mostly from the substitutes’ bench.
He has started Champions League games against Bayern Munich and Inter Milan, as well as La Liga games against Sevilla, Rayo Vallecano and Celta Vigo.
The 25-year-old is “disgusted” by the way Xavi has used him sparingly, according to Spanish media outlet Sport.
He said he thought he would play a “decisive” role at Barcelona this season, but has in fact been demoted to midfield.
Xavi has made it clear that veteran holding midfielder Sergio Busquets and the young pair of Pedri and Gavi are his preferred trio. They are expected to play against Real Madrid on Sunday.
Xavi also does not see De Jong as a long-term replacement for veteran Sergio Busquets.
De Jong is reportedly unhappy with his situation in Spain and may be more open to a move to Old Trafford.
The move comes days after ESPN reported that Erik Ten Hag was undeterred by the midfielder’s reluctance to leave the Spanish giants this summer.
United have managed to complete a deal with Real Madrid for Casemiro, but it is hoped Ten Hag can lure De Jong to Old Trafford and play him alongside the Brazilian.
