Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong has admitted he became embroiled in a "situation" with Barcelona president Joan Laporta last summer over his failed move to Manchester United.
The highly-rated midfielder seemed set for a reunion with ex-Ajax boss Erik ten Hag last summer, but the deal was seemingly scuppered by financial matters. As part of De Jong's contract renewal at the Nou Camp in 2020, which extended his stay until 2026, he agreed to take a pay cut due to the pandemic, with the caveat he would earn that money back in future seasons.
And the 26-year-old was reluctant to move on whilst he was still due unpaid wages, with United eventually admitting defeat in their pursuit w ith the experienced Casemiro and Cristian Eriksen brought to the club instead. But although De Jong publicly pledged his commitment to the Catalan giants last year, he reportedly kept in contact with Ten Hag with a view to a future move.
Speaking to Dutch sports show Ziggo Sport Voetbal , the international has opened up on his relationship with Laporta. And despite the saga in 2022, he insisted the pair remained on good terms throughout.
"My relationship with the president is good. In reality, it has never been bad," De Jong insisted. "Of course, there was this situation last summer, but my relationship with him is good."
But his standing in the club could be affected by Laporte's attempts to bring Lionel Messi back to the club on a free transfer from PSG this summer. The wage demands of the Argentine icon, not to mention the perilous financial state of the newly crowned LaLiga champions, will inevitably mean the club would need to remove other stars off the wage bill.
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De Jong, however, is seemingly relaxed on that prospect, and when asked about Messi's potential second coming at Barcelona, replied: "Messi is a fantastic player. It would be amazing if he comes back. But I don't know if it's going to happen."
The player was set to cost United just short of £65million in 2022, and the fee would be in a similar region this time around given he still has three years to run on his current contract. But with Casemiro and Eriksen both aged 31, and the Dane having missed a large portion of this season through injury, Ten Hag is still keen for reinforcements.
However, Ten Hag is also said to be adamant he won't become embroiled in another drawn-out saga, in light of a huge summer ahead at the club. His main priority remains a world class striker, amid links to Harry Kane and Napoli sensation Victor Osimhen.
