Ten Hag's De Jong obsession continues as Barcelona star ignores contract offers

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 11 May 2024 09:33 CDT
• 3 min read

Frenkie de Jong has reportedly turned down a fresh contract at Barcelona as Erik ten Hag continues to put the Dutchman on his wish-list for Manchester United.

Mundo Deportivo reports that, even though the manager’s future with the Old Trafford club remains uncertain, he still wishes to sign the former Ajax man.

Indeed, the coach is keen on bringing in the midfielder he previously worked with during their time together in the Eredivisie, while it’s thought that De Jong’s representatives are also aware of the coach’s interest in their client.

READ MORE: Why Chelsea and Man Utd will support Real Madrid in Champions League final

De Jong received a new contract offer from the Catalans recently, in a deal that would ‘adjust his salary and terms’, but the player is yet to send a response to the proposal.

It’s believed that if he opts not to sign the new deal Barcelona will let him leave in the summer window.

Barcelona are of the belief that the Dutch international, who recently prolonged his contract until 2026, might entertain offers when he approaches the final years of his deal and then leave on a free transfer.

But coach Xavi Hernandez considers De Jong a key player, even though his performance this season has fallen short of expectations from the club, according to MD.

READ MORE: Man Utd and Arsenal circle for promotion hero as Leicester forced to sell

What midfielders are Barcelona targeting?

Barcelona remain hopeful of bringing in another central midfielder in the summer, with Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich and Martín Zubimendi of Real Sociedad considered to be major targets to fufill the No.6 role.

Speaking to Gary Neville for Sky Sports recently, Ten Hag confirmed that he wanted De Jong during his first summer window with the club. “It would have been Frenkie de Jong and Casemiro.

“They would really be connected with each other. They would be really complementary to each other.

“That’s a typical player, if you want to play the Ajax style, you need that type of player.”