Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong has outlined 10 reasons for why he has no interest in joining Manchester United despite a deal to join the Premier League club appearing close, according to Spanish media reports.
United's new manager Erik ten Hag had hoped to make De Jong his marquee summer signing, and after weeks of negotiations, an agreement had reportedly been reached over an initial £56.2 million ($67.6m) transfer fee. A move to Old Trafford would see De Jong reunite with his former Ajax coach.
However, according to Spanish media outlet Diario Sport, De Jong has "totally ruled out" a move to United and the Netherlands international has been extensive in his reasoning. Here are the 10 reasons as outlined by the report:
De Jong recently bought a house
De Jong recently purchased a house in Pedralbes, one of Barcelona's most desirable districts, and did so because he was convinced that his long-term future is at the club and in the city.
His partner loves life in Barcelona
De Jong's partner, Mikky Kiemeney, is very happy with life in Barcelona having established strong ties in the city and has made plenty of friends. She does not see their future as a family in any other city but Barcelona.
De Jong's dream was to play for Barcelona
Playing for Barcelona was De Jong's childhood dream and like many players from the Netherlands was desperate to represent the same club as Dutch legend Johan Cruyff. Now he is playing for the club, he has no desire to end that dream. By comparison, De Jong has no interest in playing in the Premier League or for Manchester United, regardless of the size of the club.
Champions League football
While Barcelona struggled in the early part of last season, the team rallied well to finish second in La Liga to ensure another year of Champions League football. United, on the other hand, could only place sixth in the Premier League and will compete in the Europa League. De Jong is not keen to leave a club playing in Europe's premium club competition for one in the second tier and believes making that step down will affect his status as one of the world's leading midfielders.
United are jinxed
De Jong respects the history and tradition of United but believes the club has regressed since the retirement of Alex Ferguson and that the club is jinxed. Despite spending fortunes on new players, United have perpetually struggled to compete for major honours in recent years and are well adrift of Europe's leading clubs.
Manchester's weather
A common complaint among English football's foreign players and it appears De Jong is no different. The midfielder and his partner enjoy Barcelona's climate and they are not prepared to swap it for the generally colder and rainier weather of Manchester.
De Jong wants to deliver for Xavi
De Jong has been learning to adapt to a slightly new midfield role under Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez, whereby he focuses more on positioning and his role within the team. The Dutchman believes he can deliver what Xavi needs and is determined to become a key player at the club for many years to come.
Satisfied with current salary
De Jong is one of Barcelona's highest-paid players, having signed a contract worth €14m ($14.3m) per year when he joined the club in 2019. Granted, like many of his teammates De Jong has had to agree to various pay cuts to assist Barca amid mounting financial problems, but he is set to receive some of those deferred wages back this season to take his basic salary to €18m, and in 2023/24 is expected to receive €27.7m.
Upset over campaign for him to leave
De Jong believes that a campaign has been created against him to convince him to leave Barcelona for United, although much of the noise appears to be external. No one from inside Barcelona has told him that the club wants him to leave, and earlier this week president Joan Laporta insisted De Jong is "not for sale".
Negotiations have been behind his back
Despite reports that personal terms have been agreed, Diario Sport's report claims that all the negotiations have been between the two clubs and that De Jong's representatives have yet to speak with United. De Jong is reportedly aware that the talks are being largely driven by Ten Hag, who is determined to take him to Old Trafford, but at present nothing has been agreed between the player and the Premier League club.
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
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- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
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Main card
Bantamweight 56.4kg: Mehdi Eljamari (MAR) beat Abrorbek Madiminbekov (UZB), Split points decision
Super heavyweight 94 kg: Adnan Mohammad (IRN) beat Mohammed Ajaraam (MAR), Split points decision
Lightweight 60kg: Zakaria Eljamari (UAE) beat Faridoon Alik Zai (AFG), RSC round 3
Light heavyweight 81.4kg: Taha Marrouni (MAR) beat Mahmood Amin (EGY), Unanimous points decision
Light welterweight 64.5kg: Siyovush Gulmamadov (TJK) beat Nouredine Samir (UAE), Unanimous points decision
Light heavyweight 81.4kg: Ilyass Habibali (UAE) beat Haroun Baka (ALG), KO second round
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Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
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Brief scoreline:
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Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
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