Barcelona president Joan Laporta has, on Saturday, provided a fresh insight into the future of midfield star Frenkie de Jong.
The subject of Dutch international De Jong’s future, of course, took its place front and centre in the headlines this past summer.
This came upon the former Ajax man being added to the transfer wishlist of English giants Manchester United.
At several points over the course of the window, it appeared as though a transfer was imminent, with De Jong primed to reunite with one-time head coach Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.
When all was said and done, though, largely owing to the insistence of the 25-year-old himself, De Jong stayed put.
Over the months since, the midfield all-rounder has gone on to play a prominent role in the first-team setup in Catalunya, notching starts in 10 of Barca’s 15 La Liga outings.
Speaking to the media on Saturday, Blaugrana chief Joan Laporta, in turn, was drawn on the chances of as much coming to fruition over the months ahead.
The Spanish patron, though, was quick to shut down any lingering talk surrounding De Jong’s sale, in explaining:
“Frenkie de Jong is not for sale. He wasn’t for sale in the summer and he won’t leave this year.”
“De Jong is a very appealing footballer, we know that, but I insist he’s not for sale”.
Barça president Laporta: “Frenkie de Jong is not for sale. He wasn’t for sale in the summer and he won’t leave this year”. 🔵🔴 #FCB
“De Jong is a very appealing footballer, we know that, but I insist he’s not for sale”. pic.twitter.com/HjfBnGzBuR
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 7, 2023
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