THE Frenkie de Jong transfer saga is finally over – with the Barcelona midfielder staying put.
The Dutchman, 25, was a high priority on the transfer wish lists for Manchester United and Chelsea throughout the summer.
Barcelona were open to selling the ex-Ajax man with a fee of around £73million agreed with the Red Devils and a £350,000-a-week contract on the table.
However, De Jong snubbed United because he did not want to sign for the Europa League club while Chelsea, despite being able to offer Champions League football, were also unable to secure a deal.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano, De Jong “never changed his mind” on his desire to stay at the Nou Camp.
The 44-cap Netherlands international joined Barca in 2019 for £65m and expressed his delight at playing for his dream club.
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However, the LaLiga giants – who already owe him millions in deferred wages – slapped him with an ultimatum to either leave or take a major pay cut.
But despite the financial problems, Barcelona and De Jong appear to have repaired the damage to the relationship.
The star, under contract until 2026, has featured in all three league games so far this season – albeit starting just once.
Barca face Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Viktoria Plzen in a brutal Champions League group.
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After it became clear he would miss out on De Jong, new Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag turned his attention to Barca’s rival Real Madrid and splashed up to £70m on Casemiro to bolster his midfield instead.
Christian Eriksen has also arrived at Old Trafford and Chelsea signed Carney Chukwuemeka.
Ross Barkley was released while Billy Gilmour is poised for a £9m transfer to Brighton, leaving Thomas Tuchel short on midfield options.
But reports suggest Denis Zakaria is having a medical in Turin over a loan move from Juventus.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
