Frenkie de Jong has revealed he was urged to "join Liverpool " within days of touching down in Qatar for the 2022 World Cup.
The Dutch midfielder is set to be a key player for his country as Netherlands bid to win their first ever World Cup, starting with their opening Group A match against Senegal on Monday. But while De Jong is at the forefront of manager Louis van Gaal's plans on the international stage, the same cannot be said for his club football.
The 25-year-old remains on the periphery of Barcelona's starting lineup, with boss Xavi continuing to prefer other options in central midfield. De Jong came close to leaving the Nou Camp in the summer, but stuck to his guns to reject a move - yet now has fans pleading with him to complete a switch to Anfield.
