Manchester United have been told to avoid longtime transfer target Frenkie de Jong after an ex-Barcelona youth coach claimed he was "indecisive and overpaid"
Frenkie de Jong of FC Barcelona looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Spotify Camp Nou on September 28, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain.
Frenkie de Jong has been snubbed by a former Barcelona youth coach
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Manchester United have been urged to stop trying to sign Frenkie de Jong as Òscar Garcia claimed he isn't "decisive" enough for the big games.
The Red Devils have been after the Dutch midfielder's signature for quite some time after Erik ten Hag identified the midfielder as a key transfer target after joining in 2022. The former United boss was keen on reuniting with his ex-player after their time at Ajax and it was reported that Barcelona were prepared to sell the star.
However, De Jong told NOS at the time that he wanted to stay, so the deal fell through. Three years on and the La Liga star's contract runs out in June 2026, so he could opt to depart either in January or on a free transfer at the end of the season.
However, the ex-Barca youth coach has indirectly told the Old Trafford outfit to swerve the potential deal, claiming that while De Jong is good, he's not worth what he is being paid. Speaking on Cadena SER's “Què t'hi Jugues” broadcast during Oviedo and Barcelona game, Garcia said: "I think he's better than you say and worse than what he's paid to do.
"He's a good player, but he's not the typical footballer we've always had in that position in front of the defence. And he's not decisive enough to be one of the highest-paid. Normally, the highest paid are the ones who decide games."
He added: "Yes, he's a very good player, but I don't think he can decide a match."
Frenkie de Jong of FC Barcelona adjusts his football boots during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on October 01, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain.
Frenkie de Jong has been a longtime transfer target of Manchester United
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Currently, De Jong is one of the highest-paid players in the squad, second only to Robert Lewandowski in terms of fixed salary. SPORT reported that Barcelona president Joan Laporta wants to keep the midfielders contract the same and allow him to drop down in the salary figures in the future.
While Garcia has been particularly critical of De Jong in the Barca side, the star has been seeing a resurgence in his form since the new season began.
He has one assist in seven games, including two in the Champions League and performed exceptionally well against Newcastle United in their opening European match.
It remains to be seen whether United will reignite their interest in the 28-year-old next January or if Ruben Amorim will have different plans for his midfield come the next transfer window.
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