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Frenkie de Jong as soon as thought of the heartbeat of Barcelona’s midfield, now finds his future on the membership hanging by a thread. Stories counsel the Catalan giants are keen to half methods with the Dutchman for an astonishingly low charge, marking a dramatic shift of their stance towards one in all their most high-profile gamers. Harm woes, diminished on-field prominence, and monetary pressure have mixed to create an sudden switch saga that would outline the summer time of 2025.
De Jong’s troubles started with a chronic ankle harm that sidelined him for a good portion of the 2024 season. Between March and October, the 27-year-old managed simply 45 minutes of sport time, a stark distinction to his earlier position as a possible chief within the Blaugrana’s evolving squad. His absence not solely hampered his means to contribute but additionally allowed different midfielders like Pedri, Gavi, and Fermin Lopez to solidify their roles.
Upon his return, De Jong admitted his struggles, conceding throughout a global break that he was removed from full health. “I’m not but again to my 100%“, he acknowledged, a sentiment that has been obvious each time he steps onto the pitch. His incapability to regain prime type below Hansi Flick has seen him relegated to the bench, whereas Barcelona’s burgeoning midfield expertise pool—together with the likes of Marc Casado and the soon-to-return Marc Bernal—has additional diminished his significance.
Barcelona initially considered De Jong as a cornerstone for the membership’s future. Deco, the membership’s sporting director, was reportedly wanting to renew De Jong’s contract earlier than the ankle harm derailed these plans. Nonetheless, in accordance with latest reviews from Sport, the proposed renewal supply has since expired, and the membership is unwilling to restart negotiations below the identical phrases.
Extra considerably, the Spaniards seem determined to keep away from a situation the place De Jong enters the ultimate 12 months of his present contract, which expires in 2026, with out readability on his future. This urgency is pushed not solely by sporting issues however by the urgent must alleviate the membership’s ongoing monetary struggles.
Stunning asking value
In a stunning twist, it’s reported that Barcelona can be keen to just accept a switch supply of simply €20 million for De Jong, Sport provides. This valuation is a staggering drop from the €85 million charge Manchester United practically paid in 2022, when the midfielder was a extremely sought-after asset. The choice to decrease his asking value is essentially influenced by his hefty wages, which reportedly value the Catalans round €35 million yearly, together with deferred funds and amortization.
Rumors even counsel that Barcelona might take into account letting De Jong go away on a free switch merely to take away his wage from the books, which might underscore his contract’s monetary weight. The membership’s management, in accordance with Marca, is “not in a rush to resume” his deal, signaling a readiness to chop their losses.
What can be subsequent for De Jong?
De Jong’s potential departure revives reminiscences of Manchester United’s earlier pursuit. In 2022, below former coach Erik ten Hag, United got here near securing his signature, just for the deal to break down as a result of participant’s reluctance to depart and unresolved deferred wages owed by Barcelona.
Since then, United have moved on, investing in midfield abilities like Manuel Ugarte and growing rising star Kobbie Mainoo. Whether or not they would reignite their curiosity in De Jong stays to be seen, particularly given the stark distinction between his present valuation and the charge agreed two years in the past.
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