Frenkie de Jong admits he wants to stay at Barcelona for as long as he can and admits he did not want to go to Manchester United last summer.
United manager Erik ten Hag, fresh from being appointed, identified De Jong as his top target to strengthen the Reds' midfield options last May and it marked the beginning of a transfer saga that lasted more than 100 days. United, as revealed by the Manchester Evening News at the time, agreed a deal with Barcelona to sign the Dutchman at the end of June, meaning they were confident of landing the Netherlands international.
However, the deal broke down as a result of a dispute over unpaid wages at the Barcelona end. It was understood that De Jong was owed €17m dating back to November 2020 when Barcelona's players agreed to a wage deferral to ease the financial strain caused by Covid-19.
READ MORE: Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong admits problem at Barcelona
De Jong remains an active target ahead of this summer's window, with the Reds understood to be keen on drafting in a younger central midfielder. He may yet be on the move to Old Trafford and move on from the Camp Nou, where he has been since 2019.
De Jong has reflected on last summer's saga and admits the Catalan side was in a 'difficult situation'. The 26-year-old is well aware Barca could have sold him for big money last summer, with the club in financial difficulties.
He knows that United spoke with Barcelona, but admits he did not want to go to Old Trafford, which will not spark optimism in the Old Trafford hierarchy if they make a return approach this summer. De Jong wants to remain at the La Liga champions for as long as he possibly can, with his current contract running until the summer of 2026.
Speaking to Dutch broadcaster NOS, de Jong said: "The club was in a difficult situation and they could have sold me for a big fee. But I didn't want to go and stayed.
"Manchester United spoke with Barça, even though I wanted to stay. I want to be at Barça for as long as I can."
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