Frenkie de Jong has been on the radar of Manchester United for some time and was close to a move to the Red Devils during Erik ten Hag's time as manager
Abbie Meehan Sports Writer U-35s, Maria Ortega and Mark Whiley Sports Reporter
08:39, 05 Oct 2025
Frenkie de Jong
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Frenkie de Jong has been told he doesn't do enough to warrant his wages(Image: Angel Martinez, Getty Images for Qatar Airways)
Long-time Manchester United transfer target Frenkie de Jong doesn't justify his huge wages, according to a former Barcelona coach.
The Red Devils have been perennially linked with the Dutch midfielder since Erik ten Hag's time in charge. The ex-United boss worked with De Jong at Ajax and, at one stage, they looked set to be reunited at Old Trafford, with Barcelona open to offloading the player. However, De Jong, who earns a reputed £16million a year, opted to stay put and fight for his place.
Three years on, De Jong is nearing the end of his Barca contract, meaning he will be a free agent next summer unless he pens a new deal with the Catalans.
If a new deal isn't agreed, he could soon come back onto United's radar if Ruben Amorim, or whoever is in charge, decides he wants to strengthen his midfield. However, Oscar Garcia, a former Barca youth coach, has advised against signing De Jong.
He argued that while De Jong is a talented player, he doesn't justify his wages. Speaking on Cadena SER's Què t'hi Jugues show during Barcelona's 3-1 victory at Real Oviedo on Thursday, Garcia said: "I think he's better than you say and worse than what he's paid to do.
Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United clashes with Frenkie de Jong of Barcelona during the UEFA Europa League knockout round play-off leg two match between Manchester United and FC Barcelona at Old Trafford on February 23, 2023 in Manchester, England.
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De Jong was close to joining United before deciding to stay at Barcelona(Image: Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
"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. Yes, he's a very good player, but I don't think he can decide a match."
De Jong is one of the top earners in the squad, with only Robert Lewandowski earning a higher salary. According to SPORT, Barcelona president Joan Laporta wants to maintain the terms of De Jong's current contract if he stays at the club.
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.
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United could look to strengthen their midfield in January when De Jong will be in the final months of his contract(Image: Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)
Despite Garcia's criticism, De Jong has made a good start to the season, with seven appearances across La Liga and the Champions League.
United were linked with a host of top-class midfielders in the summer but failed to add to their ranks. If Amorim is still at the helm come January, he will surely be looking to strengthen that area of the pitch.
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The under-pressure Portuguese coach bought himself some time on Saturday by leading United to a 2-0 victory over Sunderland at Old Trafford.
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