Only a couple of months remain before the summer transfer window gets underway and Barcelona are busy chalking out their strategies, now that the managerial situation has been resolved with Xavi set to continue.
Player sales are very likely to take place given the Catalans’ financial situation, with at least one major exit seemingly certain.
Names like Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Raphinha, and even Robert Lewandowski have been talked about, but a fresh report from AS states that Barcelona are looking to part ways with a different player altogether.
Frenkie de Jong the best-placed candidate to leave
Indeed, as per the report, it is Frenkie de Jong who is the No.1 candidate to leave Barcelona in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The Dutchman came very close to being forced out of the club back in 2022, only for him to dig his heels and stay put. However, things might turn out differently this time out.
On his way out? (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
De Jong has been at Barcelona for almost five years now and is one of the highest earners at the club. However, there is a feeling within those at Barça that he has not lived up to the expectations.
De Jong has not emerged as the leader that Barcelona hoped he would become when they splashed the big bucks on him in 2019.
If it were not enough, the Dutchman has also suffered three injuries this season which have further curtailed his impact.
As such, De Jong’s name is very much at the top of the list when it comes to possible departures as Barcelona can get a large sum for him.
As has been reported already, Bayern Munich have taken an interest in him while the likes of PSG and Manchester United are long-term admirers.
Apart from De Jong, the names of Raphinha and Araujo are also on the list, but as of now, De Jong is seen as the strongest candidate to leave Barcelona.
*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication
Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/barcelona-e70-million-rated-heavyweight-the-no-1-candidate-to-leave-this-summer/
Author : Michel Durant
Publish date : 2024-04-26 07:05:43
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