Barcelona midfielder Gavi was ‘upset’ when he learned Frenkie de Jong could leave the club to join Manchester United with the midfielder one of the most admired players in the dressing room.
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Erik ten Hag made the Netherlands international his top transfer target following his arrival in Manchester in May 2022.
A lengthy transfer saga ensued with United at point reportedly agreeing a fee with Barcelona amid the Spanish side’s financial difficulties.
De Jong remained determined to stay at the Camp Nou however with United eventually ending their interest and signing Casemiro from Real Madrid. Interest from Old Trafford has lingered but the 26-year-old remains happy and settled in Catalonia and has shown no desire to leave.
According to Barca star Gavi, de Jong told his teammates he could leave that summer, relieved he remained at the club where his importance to the side has grown since.
Asked which player he most admires for their professionalism in the squad, the Spain international told La Vanguardia: ‘I admire Frenkie. When he said he could leave, I was upset and told him so.
‘Thank goodness he didn’t leave and is still with us.’
De Jong would go onto play a key role in Barcelona’s La Liga success last season, dismissing the possibility of a move away in the summer.
Asked by Voetbal International if leaving is not an option, De Jong said: ‘That has been clear to me, also last summer when things were restless for a while.
‘I always knew that I wanted to stay at Barcelona, that’s why it wasn’t so stressful for me last summer.
‘Also, I had just signed a contract extension [in 2020] so I always felt that I was in control and able to decide for myself.
‘That’s why I didn’t bother [worrying about it]. I feel good at Barcelona and assume that I will still be playing here next season.’
The former Ajax star had been ever-present in Xavi’s starting XI this season but is currently sidelined with an ankle injury which could keep him sidelined until November.
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