Frenkie de Jong is still on Man Utd’s transfer list (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United are reportedly eyeing up a move for Frenkie de Jong this summer, with manager Erik ten Hag keen to reunite with the former Ajax star. However, based on past experiences, securing the deal ahead of the 2024/25 season could prove challenging – Ten Hag previously attempted and failed to lure the midfield maestro from Barcelona two years ago.
With two more years remaining on his contract, convincing the 27-year-old to swap sunny Spain for north-west England may prove difficult. Under the new ownership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, United have already made significant investments this summer.
And if a deal for De Jong falls through, they have plenty of other options to strengthen their squad – particularly as defensive midfielder Casemiro is expected to remain at Old Trafford for another season. But who exactly is De Jong, and what is his current situation at Barcelona?
Here, we delve into everything you need to know – from his substantial net worth and influencer girlfriend, to his long-standing links with a transfer to United…
An impressive career
De Jong has had an impressive career so far. Born in Gorinchem, he came through the youth ranks at Willem II before signing his first professional contract with the club in 2015. However, he only made one appearance for the team before being snapped up by Dutch heavyweights Ajax in the same year he turned pro.
De Jong quickly rose through the ranks of the Jong Ajax side, making it to the first team in 2016 after just one year. He played 89 games as a central midfielder before Barcelona shelled out €85million (£72.5m) for his talents in 2019. With 213 appearances and an impressive 17 goals and 21 assists under his belt at Camp Nou, he has more than justified his price tag.
De Jong signed for Barcelona in 2019 (Image: Getty Images)
Internationally, De Jong has earned 54 caps for the Netherlands across multiple competitions and was part of the team that finished second at the 2018/2019 UEFA Nations League, losing out on top spot by a slim margin to Portugal.
De Jong net worth
At Barcelona, reports suggest that De Jong earns a staggering €721,154-per-week (£615,411), which accumulates to £2.4million monthly or £32million annually. Despite this, with possible additional pay of €388,654 (£331,622) from add-ons, De Jong previously revealed he took a salary cut during his initial three years at Barca.
In 2022, he stated: “There have been many lies and falsehoods spread about my salary. In each of the first three years I played here, I cut my salary. Eventually, the money comes back, and it comes on top of my normal salary, so it looks bigger. I think a lot of people don’t understand this.”
SalarySport estimates that de Jong’s net worth adds up to over £52million, mostly derived from career earnings. This could be considerably more when factoring in potential income from endorsements, sponsorships, and appearance fees over his playing career.
De Jong’s fiancee
Frenkie de Jong’s partner, Mikky Kiemeney, has been turning heads not just as the Dutch footballer’s fiancee but also as a social media sensation. The former hockey player for HC Den Bosch, who swapped her sports career for the glitz of Instagram, boasts an impressive 1.7 million followers.
She shares glimpses into her life with de Jong, including the moment he proposed in 2022 against a backdrop of stunning canyons, to which she excitedly responded: “I SAID YES,” and Frenkie declared: “I can’t wait to spend the rest of our lives together. She Said Yes.”
Celebrating nearly a year later, the couple announced Mikky’s pregnancy on Instagram. They shared a touching video set to Ed Sheeran’s “Small Bump,” showcasing tender moments and Mikky’s growing baby bump. Their joy was complete when they welcomed their son Miles de Jong on November 21, 2023.
Frenkie de Jong and beau, Mikky Kiemeny (Image: mikkykiemeney/Instagram)
Manchester United transfer links
De Jong remains a hot topic in the transfer market, with Manchester United having shown keen interest. His former manager Ten Hag had attempted to secure him for a hefty £56million back in 2022. Although Barcelona seemed open to the deal, it collapsed over personal terms, leaving de Jong disheartened by the club’s readiness to let him go.
The player has since insisted that he is ‘very happy’ at Barcelona amid persistent links with a move to Manchester United. Speaking to the media, the Dutchman said: “Staying at Barca? Yes, I’m very happy in Barcelona with my family, for sure. Hansi Flick wants me to be key? I talked to him. It was good.”
However, a potential sticking point could arise if the Catalan giants look to move De Jong on this summer. De Jong’s current contract runs until 2026 but Barca’s well-documented financial issues could see them cash in on the midfielder.
Ten Hag seemingly wants to work with De Jong again (Image: PA)
Manchester United are known admirers of De Jong and could make a move, allowing him to link up with a number of familiar faces at Old Trafford like Lisandro Martinez and Antony.
Ten Hag’s side have already spent big on Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna for £36.5m and Leny Yoro from Lille for £58m – and with fierce competition for places at the Nou Camp with the likes of Pedri, Gavi and Ilkay Gundogan vying for a starting spot, it could be enough to temp the youngster.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1935424/Frenkie-DeJong-Man-Utd-transfer-fiancee-networth