Patrick Kluivert has provided Manchester United a major blow in his pursuit after admitting that he dreams of playing for Barcelona.

As reported by Sky Sports, Justin Kluivert has iterated his desire to emulate his father Patrick Kluivert by playing for Barcelona, describing a possible switch to Camp Nou as a “dream move”. Manchester United have been linked with a move for the Dutch teenage prodigy.

Kluivert is the latest prodigious talent to emerge out of the fabled Ajax academy. Having joined the club’s youth setup as an 8-year-old, just like his father Patrick, who also went on to represent Barcelona, the player rapidly progressed through the ranks before breaking into the first-team squad last season, aged just 17.

His progress has been so remarkable that Kluivert is now a mainstay in Erik ten Hag’s side. In all, he has made 30 appearances across all competitions for Ajax, with a respectable return of 8 goals and 4 assists. His exploits haven’t gone unnoticed either, with Manchester United among the clubs that are linked with him.

Will Kluivert achieve the Barcelona dream? (Photo courtesy - Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Will Kluivert achieve the Barcelona dream? (Photo courtesy – Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Jose Mourinho seems determined to bolster his squad further in the summer, with attack a priority as well. Although Kluivert primarily operates on the left flank, which seems stacked at the moment, he can also play on the right side of attack equally adeptly, making him a viable target for the Manchester United boss, who has been in search of such a player since last summer.

But, Kluivert has denied links with Manchester United, claiming there hasn’t been any contact yet from the club. His father, meanwhile, has advised Justin to snub the Red Devils and follow in his footsteps by joining Barcelona instead, when the time comes to leave Ajax. And the player himself has said that it would be a dream move to make his way to Camp Nou.

“My dream club? Barcelona. That is my dream club. To follow in my father’s footsteps? Yes. That is my dream club in the end. I would not mind going elsewhere, but Barcelona is the dream.”

Barcelona though, haven’t set their sights on Kluivert yet, with their priority reportedly being a player who can occupy central positions in attack. However, they will be in a strong position if they ever turn their attention towards the player, judging by his comments.

As far as Manchester United are concerned, they have been handed a major blow in pursuit of Kluivert. But, they might get a clear run at the teenager if Barcelona aren’t involved, and it remains to be seen if they can manage to sign him if they make a concrete offer.

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