Frenkie De Jong’s girlfriend, Mikky Kiemeney, poked fun at Manchester United fans on Instagram on Monday, veritably negating any chance of the player joining the Red Devils soon. Manchester United boss Eric Ten Hag had identified the former Ajax man as his primary target during the summer transfer window.
When asked on Instagram whether her boyfriend will move to Manchester, Kiemeney jested, “23-2 I guess [February 23].” Technically, the 24-year-old was speaking the truth as United will host Barcelona on February 23 in their Europa League home leg. The duo has been with each other since 2014, long before De Jong became prominent. De Jong and Kiemeney got engaged in July 2022.
The English giants are going through a difficult period to man their midfield following injuries to Cristian Eriksen and Scott McTominay and Casemiro’s suspension. Frenkie De Jong’s addition to the team could’ve been the perfect balm to Ten Hag’s ailments.
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Frenkie De Jong’s United Link
De Jong was heavily linked with a move to England in the 2022 summer transfer window. Manchester United lodged multiple bids to the Catalan giants to land the midfielder; however, the deal fell through. Despite its financial situation, the Dutch sensation didn’t leave Barcelona as personal terms could not be agreed upon.
Barca coach, Xavi, had said, “I don’t know what will happen to Frenkie de Jong… He knows what I think and what the club want and need. Of course I’m counting on him, he’s a great player.” Even during the recently closed transfer window, Xavi maintained that he wants no player to leave the club. “I don’t want Memphis [Depay] or any other player to leave in January,” said the Barcelona legend turned manager
❗| Last summer, Erik Ten Hag spoke directly with Frenkie De Jong to convince him. FC Barcelona tried to sell him to generate income. However, he refused constantly & now, everyone at the club is applauding him as he becomes a key player in the project.@MCTorresA [🎖️] pic.twitter.com/IGi68xx1ui
— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) February 7, 2023The 25-year-old joined Barcelona in 2019 after a tremendous season with Ajax, where they managed to reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League. He had 18 goal contributions for Ajax during his time in the Amsterdam club. De Jong has been equally influential for Barcelona since he joined the club, if not more. From the center of the park, De Jong’s strong and powerful runs have been a signature for Xavi’s side. His proficiency on the ball and precise passing have helped Barcelona keep possession and transition quickly on the counter.
With the Blaugrana inching closer to a La Liga title, and Gavi and Pedri partnering the Dutch in the midfield, it is only natural for the player to commit to Barcelona for a longer period. However, seeing De Jong team up with his former manager and former rival Casemiro in the Premier League will be exciting.
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