Manchester United failed in their attempts to sign Frenkie de Jong despite making a breakthrough in the deal, with Barcelona's hopes of a swap deal also not coming to fruition.
Erik ten Hag oversaw a busy summer transfer window, which saw six incomings at Old Trafford as the arrivals of Casemiro, Antony and Martin Dubravka followed those of Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen. Yet he was unable to be reunited with his former Ajax star, De Jong.
Ten Hag coached the midfielder in Amsterdam and held a phone call this summer to convince the player that he should join his project at Old Trafford. United had an initial transfer fee agreed with Barca valued at £56.2million to sign the midfielder. Reports had claimed the player has already cleared out his locker in Spain, but he ultimately remained at the Camp Nou.
De Jong is Barca's highest earner and was also owed an additional €17million in amortisation payments this campaign. It was within this context that the Catalan club were keen to sell him but was also a key reason for his desire to stay – alongside his genuine affection for the club and happiness with his lifestyle in the city.
While this did not play out, Barca's intention was to sell the Dutch international and replace him with Manchester City star Bernardo Silva in a swap arrangement within their squad. Barca boss Xavi Hernandez is a great admirer of the Portugal international and had wanted to add him to his ranks.
City boss Pep Guardiola acknowledged interest from Barca in the player earlier this year and despite his insistence on wanting to keep the star, he did not take up the chance to rule out a switch: "Today I think Bernardo Silva will stay. But as I've always said, from my time at Barca, I don't want players who don't want to be at my club. What I can say is that Bernardo is important to us."
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Silva featured in 50 games for City last season in which he scored 13 goals and provided seven assists, so it is easy to see why Barca boss Xavi is such a fan. Club president Joan Laporta repeatedly did not rule out a move for the player, even though he was ultimately unsuccessful in his attempts.
This season, Silva has been as important for City as ever – playing in all 10 matches for the club so far this campaign, starting seven and netting twice. De Jong has also featured in every game for Barca but has started in just half of those, with the club's multiple midfield options seeing the likes of Sergio Busquets, Franck Kessie, Pedri and Gavi all rotated in the position.
Barca's De Jong problem has not disappeared, his contract is problematic for the club's finances and as talented a player he is, there is no evidence that he is fundamental to the current team and a future sale would be considered. However, a move to Old Trafford appears to be a ship that has sailed.
