Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong has outlined 10 reasons for why he has no interest in joining Manchester United despite a deal to join the Premier League club appearing close, according to Spanish media reports.
United's new manager Erik ten Hag had hoped to make De Jong his marquee summer signing, and after weeks of negotiations, an agreement had reportedly been reached over an initial £56.2 million ($67.6m) transfer fee. A move to Old Trafford would see De Jong reunite with his former Ajax coach.
However, according to Spanish media outlet Diario Sport, De Jong has "totally ruled out" a move to United and the Netherlands international has been extensive in his reasoning. Here are the 10 reasons as outlined by the report:
De Jong recently bought a house
De Jong recently purchased a house in Pedralbes, one of Barcelona's most desirable districts, and did so because he was convinced that his long-term future is at the club and in the city.
His partner loves life in Barcelona
De Jong's partner, Mikky Kiemeney, is very happy with life in Barcelona having established strong ties in the city and has made plenty of friends. She does not see their future as a family in any other city but Barcelona.
De Jong's dream was to play for Barcelona
Playing for Barcelona was De Jong's childhood dream and like many players from the Netherlands was desperate to represent the same club as Dutch legend Johan Cruyff. Now he is playing for the club, he has no desire to end that dream. By comparison, De Jong has no interest in playing in the Premier League or for Manchester United, regardless of the size of the club.
Champions League football
While Barcelona struggled in the early part of last season, the team rallied well to finish second in La Liga to ensure another year of Champions League football. United, on the other hand, could only place sixth in the Premier League and will compete in the Europa League. De Jong is not keen to leave a club playing in Europe's premium club competition for one in the second tier and believes making that step down will affect his status as one of the world's leading midfielders.
United are jinxed
De Jong respects the history and tradition of United but believes the club has regressed since the retirement of Alex Ferguson and that the club is jinxed. Despite spending fortunes on new players, United have perpetually struggled to compete for major honours in recent years and are well adrift of Europe's leading clubs.
Manchester's weather
A common complaint among English football's foreign players and it appears De Jong is no different. The midfielder and his partner enjoy Barcelona's climate and they are not prepared to swap it for the generally colder and rainier weather of Manchester.
De Jong wants to deliver for Xavi
De Jong has been learning to adapt to a slightly new midfield role under Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez, whereby he focuses more on positioning and his role within the team. The Dutchman believes he can deliver what Xavi needs and is determined to become a key player at the club for many years to come.
Satisfied with current salary
De Jong is one of Barcelona's highest-paid players, having signed a contract worth €14m ($14.3m) per year when he joined the club in 2019. Granted, like many of his teammates De Jong has had to agree to various pay cuts to assist Barca amid mounting financial problems, but he is set to receive some of those deferred wages back this season to take his basic salary to €18m, and in 2023/24 is expected to receive €27.7m.
Upset over campaign for him to leave
De Jong believes that a campaign has been created against him to convince him to leave Barcelona for United, although much of the noise appears to be external. No one from inside Barcelona has told him that the club wants him to leave, and earlier this week president Joan Laporta insisted De Jong is "not for sale".
Negotiations have been behind his back
Despite reports that personal terms have been agreed, Diario Sport's report claims that all the negotiations have been between the two clubs and that De Jong's representatives have yet to speak with United. De Jong is reportedly aware that the talks are being largely driven by Ten Hag, who is determined to take him to Old Trafford, but at present nothing has been agreed between the player and the Premier League club.
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 48V hybrid
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 325bhp
Torque: 450Nm
Price: Dh359,000
On sale: now
The President's Cake
Director: Hasan Hadi
Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem
Rating: 4/5
Explainer: Tanween Design Programme
Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.
The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.
It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.
The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.
Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
SPEC%20SHEET
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
From Zero
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
The specs: 2018 Opel Mokka X
Price, as tested: Dh84,000
Engine: 1.4L, four-cylinder turbo
Transmission: Six-speed auto
Power: 142hp at 4,900rpm
Torque: 200Nm at 1,850rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L / 100km
Most%20ODI%20hundreds
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