Report reveals the lengths to which Man United went to sign Barcelona superstar in 2022

Frenkie de Jong’s introduction after the half-time break was the key that helped Barcelona open up Real Madrid and seal a 4-0 victory in El Clasico last weekend.

The Dutchman looked in fine touch and made a massive impact despite still not being at his 100% physically and earned praise from across the globe for his performance.

It was not long ago, however, that the player was heavily linked with a move away from the club. He was linked with an exit last summer but was more extensively ‘pushed’ out of the team in 2022 when Manchester United were interested in his signing.

United’s overt efforts

As revealed in a recent report on The Athletic, Manchester United went as far as to send De Jong a video with their club legends to convince the player to sign for the club.

They hoped that it would enable the player to see the club with renewed light and thus aid a decision to become the centre-piece of Erik Ten Hag’s midfield.

Manchester United went to great lengths to sign De Jong. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The Barcelona star, however, never even opened the video as he was firm on his decision to stay in Catalonia and at no point considered an exit from the club.

At this point in time, the player has made a return from injury and announced his importance in the team’s setup.

However, it is still far from easy for De Jong to break into Hansi Flick’s regular starting lineup given the severe competition for starting spots in midfield with Pedri, Gavi, Marc Casado, Pablo Torre, Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez all competing with him.

The 27-year-old’s current deal with Barcelona runs until the summer of 2026 and he has not responded to the club’s efforts to extend his deal. 

Joan Laporta and Co. fear that he may now be pushing for a departure as a free agent, something they hope to prevent. Needless to say, however, it will all boil down to his importance in the team and how valued he feels.