MANCHESTER UNITED target Frenkie de Jong will refuse to wear the iconic No14 shirt if he moves to Old Trafford.
Barcelona star De Jong is among United’s top targets this summer as new manager Erik ten Hag is eager to reunite with his former Ajax ace.
Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong is among Manchester United’s top targets
Frenkie de Jong will refuse to wear the No14 shirt if joins Manchester United
The Red Devils’ bid to land the star midfielder has turned into a soap opera with Chelsea looking to hijack the move and Barca recently insisting he is not for sale despite their financial woes.
This is amid reports suggesting the Manchester giants have agreed a £71.5million fee with Barcelona.
But the player is refusing to leave and wants to resolve a salary dispute with the Catalan giants, who owe him around £17m in unpaid wages.
But one thing’s for certain, and that is the Netherlands international won’t be wearing the No14 jersey if he moves to Old Trafford.
That is because this legendary number belonged to Dutch legend Johan Cruyff and De Jong wants to avoid comparisons.
The 25-year-old was offered that shirt by Barcelona in 2019 when he joined from Ajax.
However, the Dutchman didn’t want the fans to expect him to play like Cruyff, who became an icon at the Nou Camp.
That is why he chose the No21 shirt as a tribute to his late grandfather instead.
De Jong said three years ago: “I feel comfortable with that number.
“I could easily play with another number, you know, it’s not a problem, but it is nice that it also gives people a way of recognising me.
“I brought my whole family to my presentation in Barcelona, except my grandfather Hans de Jong, my father’s father.
Frenkie de Jong doesn’t want the No14 shirt because it belonged to Johan Cruyff
“He died on the day of my 21st birthday. Unconsciously it is also a kind of tribute. He was a huge football fan.
“I am sorry that he could not experience this and I am so happy that the rest of my family could attend.”
As it stands, both No14 and No21 are available at United, who are carrying on with their transfer business with Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez set to join.
