What Frenkie de Jong did after a fan shouted “Erik ten Hag is waiting for you” at him

What Frenkie de Jong did after a fan shouted “Erik ten Hag is waiting for you” at him

As he concluded his season with Barcelona, Frenkie de Jong appeared to respond to a supporter’s accusation that Erik ten Hag is looking to sign him to Manchester United.

Since his compatriot was confirmed as the Red Devils’ new permanent manager, the Dutch midfielder has been linked with a move to Old Trafford. 

At Ajax, the pair developed a fruitful working relationship, which may pave the path for them to collaborate again.

It remains to be seen whether United will be effective in gaining his services over the summer window, but one fan certainly hopes he will be playing under Ten Hag next season – and told him so after a friendly match earlier this week.

Following Barcelona’s 3-2 victory over A-League All-Stars, De Jong approached the supporters to cheer. “Erik ten Hag is waiting for you!” screamed one overzealous admirer amid the latest transfer rumour.

While the midfielder did not confirm or reject the rumours, he did give the vociferous fan a wry smile and a wave. 

After completing his post-match duties with Barcelona, De Jong will now head off on international duty for the Netherlands’ forthcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures, having been named to Louis van Gaal’s team.

The Dutch will play Belgium, Wales, and Poland before returning to face the Dragons next month.

The player will hope to have finalised his future when he returns, with Barcelona under pressure to sell due to the Camp Nou’s precarious financial predicament. However, boss Xavi does not appear to be overjoyed at the prospect of losing the Dutchman.

Speaking in a press conference earlier this month, he said: “I have said many times that Frenkie is very important. He’s a key player. Then there is also the financial situation of the club and it has to be decided. I’m not talking about Frenkie, in general.”

Meanwhile, the Catalan giants appear to have identified a possible alternative if De Jong decides to leave Catalonia. According to reports, they have reached an agreement to sign Valencia midfielder Carlos Soler.

De Jong has made 139 appearances for Barcelona but has only one Copa del Rey to his name. He has more than four years left on his current contract with the Spanish giants after joining from Ajax in the summer of 2019.

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What Frenkie de Jong did after a fan shouted “Erik ten Hag is waiting for you” at him