After being linked with an exit for the entirety of the summer transfer window, Frenkie de Jong spent the majority of the first game after the deadline's close on the bench for Barcelona.
The Dutchman was widely regarded as Manchester United's priority signing for the entire window. The two clubs were reported to have agreed on a transfer fee for the former Ajax star, but personal terms proved too difficult for the Red Devils and boss Erik ten Hag was forced to go without a reunion with De Jong.
The Netherlands international is not still at Barcelona due to their own desire to keep him at the club, far from it in fact. The La Liga giants were desperate to get De Jong off the wage books due to their own perilous financial situation.
Given his talent, the midfielder was viewed by the Barcelona hierarchy as one of the few players at the club who could actually generate a handsome transfer fee. United were willing to pay £72million to secure his signature, but De Jong dug his heels in and stayed put at the Camp Nou.
That's not to suggest his relationship with any high-ranking figures at the club is in a particularly good place at the moment. In July, De Jong was rumoured to have been left "disgusted" by the conduct of his club after manager Xavi Hernandez informed the 25-year-old was up for sale via a phone call.
Mundo Deportivo reported that following meetings between United and Barcelona officials, the Catalan outfit reached the verdict that they would try and move De Jong on. While the player is thought to have been understanding of the tricky economic situation that currently plauges the club, he was left 'disgusted' with the way they conducted their business.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Has De Jong made a mistake by staying at Barcelona? Comment below
While De Jong's anger is valid, his concerns may now turn to how much game time he is actually going to receive at a club that aren't particularly passionate about keeping him around.
Barcelona contested their first fixture since the transfer window shut on Saturday, registering an impressive 3-0 win away from home at Sevilla. However, De Jong was handed less than half an hour's worth of action.
In truth, his reduced role shouldn't come as too much of a surprise - he was warned by his manager that those above him wanted to cash in on the midfield talent.
The conversation should now really shift to whether it was an error of judgement from De Jong to stick around when he was not exactly short of potential suitors. Both United and fellow Premier League titans Chelsea were keen on signing him.
