Matthijs De Ligt has been warned that he would be "sacrificing development and ambition for money" by joining Manchester United instead of Barcelona this summer.
The 19-year-old has established himself as one of the world's most talented centre-backs and has caught the eye with his composed performances for Ajax.
Europe's elite clubs are queuing up to sign the Dutch international after his standout season, with Barcelona the favourites to land his signature in the coming weeks.
However, the Spanish champions have so far been able to reach an agreement to bring De Ligt to the Nou Camp amid suggestions that United will look to lure the defender to Old Trafford.
It has been reported that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is willing to offer the teenager a huge wage package to head to the Premier League.
But according to the Independent , one senior figure at Barcelona was bemused by suggestions that the Red Devils could beat the Catalan giants to De Ligt's signature this summer.
He was reportedly quoted as saying: "With the state they’re in, it’s not far off picking the Chinese league, career-wise.
"It’d be sacrificing development and ambition for money in the same way."
Although it is noted that the statement is clearly exaggerated, it highlights the difficult rebuilding task facing Solskjaer this summer.
It comes after the Red Devils finished sixth in the Premier League and failed to qualify for next season's Champions League.
Meanwhile, De Ligt has admitted that he has a number of options this summer, with Juventus also believed to be interested, but insists he is yet to make a decision on his future.
"I am very excited about what could happen in the near future. I am also trying to stay calm, though," he told RTL4.
"I view this as a challenge — that is the most important thing.
"There are several options and I really want to pick the best one. Logically, one option is better than another.
"Life abroad could be difficult, but I am still an ordinary Dutch guy, I am no different to the others. Perhaps living abroad will be more intense for me."
