Dutch legend tells Frenkie de Jong to rejoin Ajax

Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong has been advised to leave the club in 2025.

De Jong has finally worked his way back to full fitness after a miserable series of injury setbacks that seemed to end his La Blaugrana career.

The former Ajax playmaker has returned to club action in recent weeks, alongside a recall to the La Oranje squad, for November's two UEFA Nations League matches.

He started in a first Dutch match in 14 months during the midweek win over Hungary, but his future remains unclear.

Marco van Basten has called for the focus on De Jong to be reduced so that the 27-year-old can return to top level at his own pace.

However, another Dutch legend has gone one step further. Former Real Madrid star Rafael van der Vaart claims he would be best served in a shock return to Ajax if Barcelona were to facilitate a sale in the coming months.

“He played a great game against Hungary, but he can and must do better. He has achieved a lot, but now he has to stay fit,” said Diario AS.

“He is a fantastic player who will benefit the Dutch team a lot. If it were up to me, I would tell him to go home (to Ajax). He doesn't need any more trips.”

De Jong is expected to retain his starting spot for the 2024 Dutch final, when they take on Bosnia and Herzegovina on November 19.