Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Matthew Hobkinson

Manchester United transfer target Frenkie de Jong reveals he was urged to join Liverpool FC

Manchester United transfer target Frenkie de Jong has revealed that he was urged to join Liverpool after he arrived in Qatar for the World Cup.

United heavily pursued a deal for De Jong over the course of the summer, as the transfer saga dominated the headlines. Erik ten Hag was eager to reunite with his former Ajax player at Old Trafford, yet a deal failed to materialise.

Barcelona and United even got as far as agreeing terms for the midfielder, but little progress was made following the early breakthrough in negotiations.

ALSO READ : Anthony Elanga reacts to Cristiano Ronaldo's criticism of young players

The move was complicated further following an apparent legal complication surrounding money allegedly owed to the Dutch player.

De Jong will represent the Netherlands at the upcoming World Cup. Led by former United manager Louis van Gaal, the Netherlands squad have already arrived in Qatar ahead of their opening match against Senegal.

The players met with some of the migrant workers who helped build the stadiums and facilities for the tournament, as one member of the group took their chance to attempt to convince the Barcelona man to make the move to Merseyside.

"It was special for them [the workers], but also for us," De Jong told Dutch outlet AD.NL (via Liverpool Echo ). "It gives us energy and joy.

"A lot of people came and there was no time to have a personal conversation. One guy told me I had to join Liverpool! We loved doing this, but now the focus goes to Senegal."

READ NEXT:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.