ERIK ten Hag will see his dream midfield on the Nou Camp pitch tonight, but unfortunately for the United manager, one of the trio will still be wearing Barcelona colours.
Frenkie de Jong was the central figure in the Reds’ summer transfer window of 2022. In fact, so much time and focus went into his signing that it’s remarkable that the club managed to still claim a successful window, despite failing to land Ten Hag’s top target.
It was in the second week of May when United first made their play for De Jong and the drama was still playing out three months later in August. When the season began and Ten Hag’s team imploded against Brighton and Brentford, attention was finally diverted away from a fruitless and frustrating pursuit.
An issue over wages owed by Barca to De Jong proved insurmountable, despite the clubs agreeing an EUR85m fee. There was also the idea that the midfielder was reluctant to make the move. He declared signing for the Catalans as his dream in 2019 and would be swapping the Champions League for the Europa League. As it turns out, Barcelona have dropped to Europe’s B-list as well for the second half of the season.
This story is from the February 16, 2023 edition of Manchester Evening News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 16, 2023 edition of Manchester Evening News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
ABSURD! Silva slams schedule as City face two games in three days
City already had three games in eight days when they return from international duty, including their most difficult Champions League match against Inter Milan followed by their biggest Premier League rivals Arsenal.
Walker has no problem with Carsley's call to cut him from England
CITY DEFENDER ACCEPTS FORM IS KEY
Dame making history and now looks to LA
DAME Sarah Storey wrote another chapter in the history books by winning the women’s C4-5 road race at Paris 2024 to collect her 19th Paralympic gold.
We've Scot to take heart from late loss
Steve Clarke's side started their Nations League A campaign in the same way they ended Euro 2024 when they conceded a losing goal deep in stoppage-time.
Jail figures hit new high amid "talks to lease' cells in Estonia
THE prison population has reached a new record high as ministers are reported to be considering renting jail cells in Estonia to ease overcrowding.
Small boats summit
YVETTE Cooper has chaired a summit aimed at dismantling the criminal gangs involved in smuggling people over the English Channel in small boats.
Pervert policeman caught with sick child abuse images
SERVING OFFICER JAILED OVER HUNDREDS OF INDECENT PICS
Thug beat partner with mop handle
BRUTE JAILED AFTER ‘SERIES OF ABUSIVE ACTS' ON VICTIM
Investigation is launched into airport ‘stamp' video
M.E.N. REFUSES TO REVEAL SOURCE OF CCTV FOOTAGE
Mayhem on menu as vehicle slams into restaurant
SMASH RESULTS IN EXTENSIVE DAMAGE AND MINOR INJURIES