Frenkie De Jong was quick to react to Tyrell Malacia's post after the Dutch defender signed for Manchester United.
The young full-back is the first signing of the Erik ten Hag era and their attention will now turn towards their other targets. Christian Eriksen is closing in on a move but De Jong has been their No 1 target throughout the summer, although no deal has been reached.
Ten Hag is keen to reunite with the Dutch midfielder, whom he worked with at Ajax previously. De Jong has spent the last three years at Barcelona and is keen to remain at the Camp Nou, although rumours have persisted that the club may cash in to help them balance the books.
A fee was believed to have been agreed, with the overall package seeing sitting at £70m. However recent comments from Barcelona president Joan Laporta suggest that the club want to retain their asset.
He said: “There are clubs that want him, not just United. We have no intention of selling him, he wants to stay. Frenkie is considered as one of the best midfielders in the world by all the experts. We are happy to have him. I’m going to do everything I can in my power so that Frenkie stays here, but there’s also a salary issue and that would have to be adjusted.”
De Jong 'liked' Malacia's post after the signing, and his social media activity will only heighten speculation, with the pair both part of the Dutch camp and sharing the same agent. As a result his liking on Instagram may have been more of a friendly exchange, rather than something more.
Ten Hag has seen a host of midfielder leave the club following the expiry of their contracts. Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic and Jesse Lingard have all sought pastures new leaving the Red Devils light in the middle of the park. Malacia's arrival is timely given the club will soon head off on their pre-season tour.
Have Your Say! Will De Jong end up at Man Utd? Tell us what you think here.
The youngster said on his Old Trafford arrival: “It’s an incredible feeling to have joined Manchester United. This is a new chapter for me, a new league with new team-mates and a tremendous manager [Erik ten Hag] leading us. I know from playing against his teams in the Eredivisie, the qualities that he has and what he demands of his players.
“Whilst I know that I am still young and will continue to develop, I can promise the United fans that I will leave everything on the pitch every time I pull on the red shirt. I’ll always be thankful to Feyenoord for all they have given to me and my family. None of this would be possible if it wasn’t for them. Now I’m ready to focus on the future with United, and help my new club achieve success.”
