London Defender

The Daily Mirror of the Great Britain

Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong will snub Man United and Bayern Munich ‘because the weather is bad’

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has long been mooted with a Nou Camp exit this summer as the cash-strapped Catalans look to raise funds for Xavi‘s rebuild.

The Holland midfielder, 24, joined Barcelona in a £65million move in 2019 after starring in the Ajax side that made the semi-finals of the Champions League that season.

But the midfielder has struggled to recapture that form in Spain and with Barca’s debt at over £1billion, the club are desperately looking to raise money. An exit could be on the horizon this summer.

Midfield player Frenkie de Jong has been linked with a summer move away from Barcelona

Midfield player Frenkie de Jong has been linked with a summer move away from Barcelona

The 24-year-old Holland international has been linked with an array of Europe's big clubs

The 24-year-old Holland international has been linked with an array of Europe’s big clubs

De Jong’s father, John, has told Dutch publication AD that many of Europe’s major clubs are interested in signing the midfielder but his son wouldn’t be keen on joining  Manchester United or German champions Bayern Munich.

‘It’s often bad weather there,’ he said. ‘Of course it’s about football, but it does matter. 

‘Of course I know that Barcelona needs money and a great offer for Frenkie could help, but I don’t see it happening anytime soon. Although, five top European clubs have all called.

‘They (De Jong and his partner Mikky) are having such a great time in Barcelona. Life is great there. I’m there often. Even now you are in the sun with 16 degrees.’

De Jong's father says his son and partner Mikky (pictured) love living in Barcelona

De Jong’s father says his son and partner Mikky (pictured) love living in Barcelona

Xavi recently became the Barcelona manager after Ronald Koeman was sacked by the club

Xavi recently became the Barcelona manager after Ronald Koeman was sacked by the club

On the pitch, life has been far from great this season at Barcelona. De Jong’s Dutch compatriot Ronald Koeman was sacked earlier this year after an underwhelming start to the season as the club adapts to life without Lionel Messi. 

Club legend Xavi replaced him but he was unable to keep Barcelona in the Champions League and on Monday, they were drawn against Napoli in the Europa League play-off round.

At the weekend, they were held to a 2-2 draw with Osasuna and are currently eighth in LaLiga, a massive 18 points behind leaders and fierce rivals Real Madrid.