Frenkie de Jong speaks on relationship with Joan Laporta amid Manchester United interest

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has insisted that while his relationship with club president Joan Laporta is good, the two did have a ‘situation’ last summer.

De Jong was close to leaving Barcelona last summer after he was subject to heavy interest from former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag, who had just become Manchester United that summer.

United were willing to meet Barcelona’s lofty asking price. However, De Jong’s deferred wages from previous years proved a major stumbling block as the Dutchman demanded he be paid them in full before he will agree to leave the club.

That situation resulted in a clash between De Jong and Laporta. The Barcelona chief consistently said in public that he wanted the midfielder to remain at Camp Nou. Still, behind the scenes, he was open to selling the Dutchman given Barca’s financial woes.

Speaking to Ziggo Sport Voetbal in his native Netherlands, De Jong opened up on his relationship with Laporta.

“My relationship with the president is good. In reality, it has never been bad,” De Jong said.

“Of course, there was this situation last summer, but my relationship with him is good.”

De Jong also spoke about the potential return of Lionel Messi to Camp Nou.

“Messi is a fantastic player. It would be amazing if he comes back,” De Jong said.

“But I don’t know if it’s going to happen.”