The Frenkie de Jong transfer saga has left even the most sane footballing minds baffled. The Dutch midfielder refused to leave Barcelona for Manchester United despite the two clubs agreeing on a deal over his transfer.
What’s astonishing is that Barcelona president Joan Laporta himself had recently said that the club isn’t looking to offload De Jong. Yet, behind the curtains, talks have been intensive between Manchester United and the Catalans.
It has been reported that Barcelona and Manchester United have agreed on a fee of EUR 75 million for the player plus another EUR 10 million in bonuses. After an agreement with the Red Devils, Barca have reportedly told De Jong that they want him out. However, the 25-year-old midfielder’s agent have also given a stern response.
As per transfer-special Italian journalist, Fabrizio Romano, De Jong’s agents Ali Dursun and Hasan Cetinkaya have told the Spanish club that their client still has no intention of leaving the club.
It has now been reported by Catalan newspaper Sport that Barcelona are planning to freeze De Jong out if he continues to reject a move to Old Trafford. A report in the paper claims that De Jong will be left out of Barca’s pre-season tour if he continues to remain on the club’s roster.
Barcelona have to sell De Jong in order to become Financial Fair Play compliant. By selling the Dutchman, the club would be able to register a few players they’ve already signed and make room for some more. The sale of De Jong will reportedly free up around €30-35m in fair play for Barca.
The Blaugrana outfit has already signed the likes of Franck Kessie, Andreas Christensen, Raphinha and has also extended the contract of Ousmane Dembele. But, most of these new players are yet to be registered as Barca’s wage bill is too high at the moment.
Barca are also planning the signing of Robert Lewandowski, Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta. If De Jong continues to deny a move away from the club, Barcelona could find themselves in big financial trouble.
