Frenkie de Jong’s situation at Barcelona is far from favourable at the moment. The Dutchman, regarded as one of the best in his position, is being pushed out of the club this summer as the Catalans struggle to cope with their financial situation.
De Jong is one of Barça’s biggest sellable assets. His departure would bring in a significant see. At the same time, the 25-year-old’s exit would also free up a lot of room on the salary bill for the club to register new players without any hiccups.
It is for these reasons that the Blaugrana have been trying to force the Netherlands international out this summer, even though president Joan Laporta continues to insist otherwise.
Barcelona already have an agreement with Manchester United over a transfer in an operation worth around €85 million, including add-ons. De Jong’s reluctance to leave Camp Nou for the Red Devils has meant that the move has stalled completely.
There has been interest from Chelsea as well, and the Dutchman might be more receptive to an offer from the west London club, but his priority remains to stay with Barcelona.
ARA has now come up with a report shedding light on de Jong’s situation in Catalonia and the options that Barcelona have presented the midfielder with, regarding his future.
Xavi has used de Jong as a centre-back in the pre-season friendlies so far, which has become a much-discussed topic among fans. However, the manager has downplayed it and highlighted that the player’s qualities are such that he can make a contribution at centre-back.
But, as per the report, it is a pressure tactic from the club to change his stance on his future. Barça hope that the 25-year-old midfielder agrees to an exit after being used out of position by the manager.
In case he still does not wish to leave, the Catalans will push for him to take a significant wage cut – something that he has been reluctant to do until now – so that new players can be accommodated on the wage bill.
The treatment being meted out to de Jong is far from ideal and could very well end up forcing him out of the club this summer.