This old chestnut.
Frenkie de Jong would not be the first to enquire as to life in Manchester and have second thoughts. It was one of the reasons, famously, that put Ronaldinho off a move to Manchester United from PSG.
De Jong’s father has claimed that his son could reject a move to United or Bayern Munich ‘because the weather is bad there’.
The Barcelona midfielder has been tipped with a move away from the Nou Camp this summer, with the cash-strapped Spanish side reportedly looking to raise funds for manager Xavi.
The 24-year-old joined Barcelona for £65million in 2019 after impressing in the Ajax side that won the 2018/19 Eredivisie title and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League in the same season.
However, the Dutchman has struggled to make his mark in Spain – making 112 appearances and registering 10 goals and 14 assists since his move – with Barcelona also desperate to reduce their debt, which is reportedly over £1billion.
De Jong has been linked with a move to a host of Europe’s top clubs in recent months, with United and Bayern Munich thought to be interested in signing the midfielder.
His father, John, has told Dutch publication AD that ‘five top European clubs have all called’ about his son, but that the weather could impact his decision whether or not to leave Barcelona.
“It’s often bad weather there,” he said. “Of course it’s about football, but it does matter.
“Of course I know that Barcelona needs money and a great offer for Frenkie could help, but I don’t see it happening anytime soon. Although, five top European clubs have all called.
“They [De Jong and his partner Mikky] are having such a great time in Barcelona. Life is great there. I’m there often. Even now you are in the sun with 16 degrees.”
🚨 – John de Jong (Frenkie’s father) to @ADnl:
“Bayern Munich or Manchester United? The weather is horrible there… I know Barcelona needs money and a big offer for Frenkie could help, but I don’t see it happening. Though… the 5 top European clubs have all called." pic.twitter.com/rKOmh0mAau
— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) December 13, 2021
Frenkie de Jong could be on the move
While de Jong has featured consistently for the Catalan giants this campaign – starting in 18 of his 19 appearances – the five-time Champions League winners have made an underwhelming start to the season.
Barcelona have struggled to adapt to live with Lionel Messi, winning just six of their opening 16 La Liga fixtures. They also exited the Champions League at the group-stage and have been drawn against Napoli in the Europa League play-off round.
Xavi’s side were held to a 2-2 draw with Osasuna on Sunday and currently sit eighth in the table – 18 points behind leaders Real Madrid.
Back in 2003, Ronaldinho was moving from Paris Saint Germain and was close to joining United. One major sticking point was the Brazilian wanting to live in London, where the weather and night-life was better, and commute to Manchester for training and matches.
In the end, Barcelona came swooping in and United were left with Kleberson instead.
Related links:
- Junior Firpo accuses former Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman of ‘lying’ to him
- Thomas Muller claims Barcelona couldn’t ‘handle the intensity’ of Bayern Munich
- Barcelona knocked out of Champions league at group stage for first time since 2000
