Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has criticised a “campaign with lots of lies” regarding his salary amid this summer’s transfer saga linking him with an exit.
De Jong has started just five of Barca’s 12 matches across La Liga and Champions League this season, finding himself behind Pedri, Gavi, Sergio Busquets and new signing Franck Kessie in the pecking order. It comes after Manchester United ’s summer-long pursuit of the Dutchman, which ultimately failed despite the club making a breakthrough in the deal.
United boss Erik ten Hag coached De Jong at Ajax and held a phone call this summer to convince the player that he should join his project at Old Trafford. The Red Devils had an initial transfer fee agreed with Barca valued at £56.2million to sign the midfielder but no agreement could be struck.
