It is no secret that Erik ten Hag has been a long-time admirer of Frenkie de Jong having worked with the midfielder during his spell at Ajax.
Upon his arrival at Manchester United in 2022, the Dutch manager made his former star a priority as they spent the summer chasing his signatured.
It seemed as likely a transfer as any, De Jong linking back up with the man who had helped him rise to prominence.
Barcelona also had to offload players as they struggled with their finances and it seemed the Dutch midfielder was their most profitable asset.