‘I don’t understand why Barcelona are getting rid’: Frenkie de Jong’s impending move to Manchester United baffles Darren Bent, who insists his £68m switch to Old Trafford will be a backwards step for the Holland international
- Frenkie de Jong looks set to finalise a move from Spain to Manchester United
- Darren Bent has told talkSPORT he thinks the move is a ‘backwards step’
- Barcelona boss Xavi is said to be behind the Dutchman’s decision to leave club
- He will join the Red Devils to reunite with Erik ten Hag after their success at Ajax
Frenkie de Jong is taking a ‘backwards step’ in his career by switching from Barcelona to Manchester United, according to former England striker Darren Bent.
United are close to agreeing terms with the Spanish giants, with an improved offer of about £68million on the cards.
But Bent told talkSPORT he was stunned by the move, especially when comparing where the clubs will be competing in Europe next season.
Frenkie de Jong was initially sceptical about leaving Barcelona but has been convinced by Xavi
Darren Bent said he thought Frenkie de Jong’s decision to leave Spain was a ‘backwards step’
‘It’s a surprising one when you look at where Barcelona are, and Manchester United are having a complete rebuild,’ Bent said.
‘It is surprising, I don’t understand why Barcelona are getting rid of someone of that quality. Do they need the money?
‘He made it clear he wants to stay, he called Barcelona the biggest club in the world. He seems happy there.
‘For Frenkie de Jong, he’s dropping out of the Champions League into the Europa (League). It does seem like a backwards step.’
New United boss Erik ten Hag won the domestic double with de Jong in their time at Ajax
De Jong was reportedly sceptical about moving to Manchester, but Sportsmail reported Barca head coach Xavi was involved in the Dutchman’s decision to leave Spain.
The move would see the 25-year-old Dutchman reunite with the Red Devils’ new manager Erik ten Hag, who is in the process of adapting Manchester United after several fraught seasons. Together they won the domestic double at Ajax, as well as reaching the Champions League semi-final in 2019.
It was something Bent noted as well in the reasoning behind the high-profile transfer,…