Heerenveen head of scouting, Karel Brandsma has revealed the club almost signed Frenkie de Jong back in 2015.
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Speaking with the FeanOnline podcast Radio Camataru, Brandsma revealed the club were close to an agreement with De Jong while he was with Willem II.
He said, “The scouting team still consisted of Bert Pijffers and Peter Maas. At one point we were very close to capturing Frenkie de Jong.
“In April 2015, we spoke extensively with the management of Frenkie, Frenkie himself, his father and grandfather about a transfer from Willem II to SC Heerenveen. Ultimately, this was canceled at that time due to personal circumstances of Frenkie. A few months later Frenkie then went to Ajax. I thought that was a shame … “
De Jong is currently with Barcelona and is indispensable for the Dutch national team.