Barcelona’s director of football Mateu Alemany has insisted the club are yet to make a decision on Frenkie de Jong’s future amid interest from Manchester United.
United have made contact with the Catalan club over the potential availability of De Jong this summer. Incoming manager Erik ten Hag has identified the 25-year-old as an ideal target, having previously worked with him during their time at Ajax.
Reports of an imminent deal are understood to be wide of the mark, although United are keen to move swiftly as they search for new options in midfield. With Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic, among others, set to exit the club at the end of the season, the Reds will be left short of options in an area that was already in need of an injection of quality.
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Comments from Xavi last week led United fans to predict De Jong will be heading for United in the summer, with the Barcelona boss suggesting the midfielder’s future was out of his hands. But Alemany has now said that are yet to make any definitive call.
“We haven't made any decisions on the squad, De Jong is important for us," Alemany said. “We are clear about what we need, and also that we are conditioned by financial fair play.”
De Jong is under contract at the Nou Camp until 2026, having joined the club from Ajax for £65m in 2019. The emergence of Pedri and Gavi in midfield have put his future in doubt, while Barca’s precarious financial footing could lead to players being sold in order to help fund new signings.
Responding to United’s interest in De Jong last week, Xavi said: “I have said many times that Frenkie is very important. He's a key player.
"Then there is also the financial situation of the club and it has to be decided. I'm not talking about Frenkie, in general."
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