Chelsea and Manchester United handed boost as Barcelona star makes decision on future: Reports

According to a report by Mundo Deportivo, Chelsea and Manchester United have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong. The Dutch midfielder is said to be open to leaving the Catalan club amid interest from the English sides.

De Jong joined La Blaugrana in 2019 from Ajax for a reported €86 million. Despite struggles with his fitness, he has scored 18 goals and provided 22 assists in 225 appearances. During his time at the club, the midfielder has helped the Catalan giants win one LaLiga crown and one Copa del Rey.

Manchester United have been long-term admirers of the 25-year-old Dutchman and remain interested in his services despite parting ways with his former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag. However, the English giants could go against Chelsea for the Barcelona midfielder's signature, with the report also linking the Blues with a move for De Jong.

The Dutch midfielder's contract with Blaugrana runs until the summer of 2026 but he could make a move in the upcoming window, given his limited game time under Hansi Flick. He has played 343 minutes across 12 games for Barca this season.

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"I know he is going through a difficult period" - When former Manchester United defender blasted Barcelona for taking future Chelsea icon for granted

Former Manchester United defender Gerard Pique blasted Barcelona for taking his Spanish international teammate Cesc Fabregas for granted in a press conference 11 years ago. The midfielder was one of the most sought-after talents in the world at the time and eventually moved to Chelsea, helping the London outfit to two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and a League Cup.

Fabregas started his football career at Blaugrana's famed La Masia academy before moving to Arsenal as a teenager in 2003 for a reported €3.2 million. He returned to the Catalan outfit in 2011 for a reported €34 million and helped the club win one LaLiga and the Copa del Rey.

At a press conference at the time, Pique lamented the club's use of the talented midfielder, telling the press (via the Telegraph):

"I like Cesc very much and I know he is going through a difficult period because the club does not appreciate him enough. He is one of those players who would be the first choice of any club in the world, the star of the team. Despite this, he has difficulties at Barca. I don't know what he will do [for the future], we haven't talked about this topic."

The former Manchester United defender played alongside his compatriot for 6,246 minutes across 95 games at Barcelona, averaging 2.26 points per game. The pair also played 50 times together for Spain, helping their nation win the FIFA World Cup in 2010 and the European Championships in 2012.