MX23RW : Thursday, December 12 09:45:11| >> :60:1170:1170:

Joan Laporta refuses to rule out summer exit for Manchester United-linked Frenkie de Jong

Laporta refuses rule out summer exit for Man United-linked De Jong
© Reuters
Barcelona president Joan Laporta admits that Frenkie de Jong could leave Camp Nou during this summer's transfer window.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has refused to rule out a summer exit for Frenkie de Jong, as the midfielder continues to be linked with a move away from Camp Nou.

Manchester United are believed to be determined to sign the Netherlands international in the upcoming market, with incoming Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag said to be in touch with the player that he managed at Ajax.

Manchester City, meanwhile, are also thought to be showing an interest in De Jong, with the Citizens looking to sign a replacement for the outgoing Fernandinho this summer.

When questioned on a possible exit for the Dutchman, Laporta refused to rule out a transfer, insisting that the Catalan giants would always do "what is best for the club".

"We will do what is best for the club. If the economic levers that we want to activate come off, no player will leave for economic reasons," Laporta told Catalunya Radio.

"I insist. Let the sports management work. There are players who are quoted to have received offers. In the sports area, Xavi and Mateu Alemany rule and he ends up deciding the club's sports management. I will follow what the professionals of the club say."

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong pictured in October 2021© Reuters

A recent report claimed that Barcelona would be prepared to sell the Dutchman for a free in the region of £50m due to their ongoing financial problems.

However, Man United's lack of Champions League football next term could ultimately cost them the chance to sign him, with the Red Devils instead set to battle West Ham United for a spot in the Europa League on the final weekend of the Premier League campaign.

De Jong has been a regular for Barcelona this term, making 46 appearances in all competitions, contributing four goals and five assists in the process, including three goals and three assists in 31 La Liga matches.

There has been a host of speculation surrounding the 25-year-old's future in recent days, though, and Barcelona boss Xavi also recently admitted that a departure this summer was possible for 'economic reasons'.

"He's an important player for me, and he started every game except for a few due to rotations. But it depends on the economic situation. For me, Frenkie could be one of the club legends," Xavi told reporters ahead of the league match with Getafe on Sunday.

Barcelona coach Xavi during the match on April 18, 2022© Reuters

De Jong has scored 13 goals and registered 17 assists in 139 appearances for the Catalan giants since making the move from Ajax in 2019, and he still has more than four years left to run on his contract.

However, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, incoming Man United boss Ten Hag is desperately attempting to convince his former player to make the move to Old Trafford.

Romano claims that Champions League football is the Dutchman's 'main priority', which could cost the Red Devils the chance to bring him to Manchester during this summer's transfer window.

Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic are both set to leave Old Trafford on free transfers at the end of next month, so at least one new central midfielder will be arriving at the club this summer.

Ten Hag has already started work as Man United manager despite only finishing his league season with Ajax on Sunday, with the Dutchman saying that 'several things need to be organised' at the club, who will have had their worst ever season in the Premier League in terms of points regardless of what happens against Crystal Palace in their final game on Sunday.

ID:486062:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect6114:
Written by
Matt Law

Click here for more stories about Fernandinho

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba pictured on February 8, 2022
Read Next:
Paul Pogba 'turns down Manchester City approaches'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool14112129111835
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1585229151429
4Manchester CityMan City158342721627
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest157441918125
6Aston Villa157442323025
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Brentford157263128323
10Fulham156542220223
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle155551921-220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton143561421-714
16Leicester CityLeicester153572130-914
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich151681427-139
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1523102338-159
20Southampton1512121131-205


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!