De Jong: "Van de Beek deserves to play for Real Madrid"

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, speaking to ESPN , said that he has no doubt that compatriot Donny van de Beek is good enough for Real Madrid, although he joked: "I would prefer him to stay at Ajax because I wouldn't have him as an opponent and Ajax would stay strong. 

"But, no, of course, when it's all settled, and if he moves to Madrid, I am really happy for him. I think he deserves it. He's a great player. Then I will go see him in Spain!"

Expanding on the issue, he added: "I am pretty sure he has the ability," he said. "I think he showed it last season in the Champions League last season, especially in the knockout rounds. 

"I think he has showed to the world and everyone in Europe he has the ability to play at that level."

Van de Beek would become the third big name player to leave Ajax this summer after De Jong joined Barça and Matthijs de Ligt signed for Juventus. 

De Jong said that it's sad to see such a young, successful team broken up, but that it's part of football. 

"I am really proud of the season we had and I am proud to see guys making big movements I think they all deserve it," he said. 

"But of course I feel a bit sad -- not that I regret it, because I am really proud and happy to be [at Barcelona] -- but of course it's a bit sad that the team is breaking up. 

"But you know that those things are going to happen when you have a season like that at a club like Ajax. It's just the way it is."