Frenkie de Jong is unlikely to move to Manchester United or Bayern Munich due to the "bad weather", but the Barcelona midfielder's father says five of Europe's leading clubs have inquired about signing him.
The Netherlands international has faced criticism this season for his performances with the Camp Nou side as Barca continues to struggle in La Liga and recently suffered elimination in the UEFA Champions League.
De Jong, 24, has been highlighted by the Spanish media as one player who could be sold to help solve the club’s financial crisis, and his father says there is a lot of interest in him.
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However, John de Jong insisted to Algemeen Dagblad that a move to United or Munich may not appeal to the ex-Ajax star, saying: "It's often bad weather there. Of course it's about football, but it does matter.
“Of course, I know that Barcelona needs money and a great offer for Frenkie could help, but I don't see it happening anytime soon. Although, five top European clubs have all called.”
De Jong's time at Barcelona
De Jong, who officially joined Barcelona in July 2019 on an $85 million transfer from Ajax, remains a mainstay in the Barca starting XI, having made 19 appearances in all competitions this season. He has logged plenty of minutes since his arrival, also playing in 93 matches in the two previous seasons combined.
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He has scored one goal and made two assists so far this term for Xavi’s side, who sit eighth in La Liga, 18 points behind leaders Real Madrid.
The Catalan side dropped into the Europa League this year after finishing third in their Champions League group and will face Napoli in February knockout round playoff series.
