FC Barcelona goalkeeper Marc Andre ter Stegen has revealed that he managed to “talk” Frenkie de Jong out of a move to Man Utd last summer.
De Jong was one of United’s top targets during the summer transfer window. The Premier League club even managed to agree a deal,
But this transfer was not completed as De Jong was against a move to Man Utd as his ‘priority’ throughout the summer was to remain with Barcelona.
Man Utd gave up in the end and pursued Casemiro instead. This was an easier deal to pull off as the Real Madrid man was actually open to the move and he has proven to be a sensational addition.
The Red Devils could come up against De Jong on Thursday night as they face Barcelona in the Europa League round of 32.
Ahead of this game, Ter Stegen has revealed that he “tried to” tempt De Jong into remaining at Barcelona last year.
“I was hoping he would stay because this is the type of player I want to have in my team,” Ter Stegen told The Times.
“There were many rumours, discussions and whatever but I am just happy that he is here and I don’t want him to leave.
“I want to make very clear, when I talked to him I tried to [make him stay]. One day I will just put him in something here [he pretends to tie a rope around a chair leg] to keep him here always. I hope he will be here for a long time.”
He added: “He brings a lot, I have a super high opinion of him but I also expect a lot from him because he has so much talent.
“He sees and feels football in a different way and this is why he is someone that Gavi and Pedri, for example, can look up to. And I think he’s just a great player.”
Barcelona have switched to a four-man midfield in recent games and Ter Stegen feels that this has given De Jong “a bit more freedom”.
“It is also something that benefits our game because he (De Jong) has a bit more freedom, because he is still covered by Busi (Busquets),” Ter Stegen continued.
“He has that freedom and you see that sometimes he is moving somewhere else but always in communication with the other three midfielders. But it is working well.
“For him it is good to have this bit of freedom. And Busi – you can always rely on him to keep the position, keep the structure, and I think it’s very beneficial for both.”