Frenkie de Jong's Future at FC Barcelona Has Taken an Unexpected Turn. After months of uncertainty, the Dutch midfielder has made a decision that will mark the transfer market. Although his initial intention was to stay at the club, Barça's financial difficulties and an irresistible offer from the Premier League have changed the course of his career.
Now, everything points to the talented midfielder packing his bags for England, leaving a millionaire sum in the coffers of the blaugrana team.
De Jong and Barça, a Complicated Relationship
Since his arrival in 2019, Frenkie de Jong has been a key piece at Barça. However, his cycle in the team has been marked by ups and downs, injuries and contractual issues. Despite Hansi Flick's insistence on having him, the Dutchman never managed to establish himself as the absolute leader of the culé midfield.
In recent months, negotiations for his renewal have stalled. His high salary and the restrictions of financial Fair Play have turned his continuity into a dilemma for the board. Meanwhile the club tried to find a solution, the Premier League didn't waste time and launched a tempting offer.
The Major Interested Party in Frenkie
One of the clubs that has pushed the hardest for his signing is Liverpool. After Klopp's departure, the English team is looking to rebuild its squad and sees De Jong as the ideal midfielder to lead its new project.
Arne Slot, the new coach of the Reds, has asked the board to make an effort to close the signing as soon as possible. For this reason, Liverpool has submitted an initial offer of 35 million euros, although Barça hopes to receive a higher amount before giving the green light to the operation.
For the blaugrana board, De Jong's sale is an opportunity to relieve the wage bill and strengthen other positions. However, the club believes that his market value is higher and won't accept the first offer without negotiating.
Deco, Barça's sporting director, believes that the midfielder can reach a figure close to 50 million euros. With several Premier League clubs alert to his situation, at Camp Nou they hope that the competition will increase the price of the operation.
The Release Clause, an Obstacle for the English
German coach Hansi Flick has been one of De Jong's great defenders. In recent weeks, he has given him more prominence in the team, which has raised doubts about his possible departure.
If the coach continues to count on him as an essential pillar, the Dutchman could reconsider his departure and renegotiate his contract. However, if Barça finds a replacement in his position, his farewell will be imminent.
If Frenkie de Jong decided to renew, the club could include in his new contract a release clause of up to 1 billion euros, which would make his departure practically impossible in the short term.
However, without a renewal on the horizon, Barça is forced to make a quick decision to prevent the player from leaving for free at the end of his contract.
De Jong's Future, in Barça's Hands
The coming weeks will be key to defining Frenkie de Jong's fate. With Liverpool as the main candidate to sign him, other Premier League teams could also enter the bidding.
Deco and Joan Laporta have the final say. Will they bet on retaining him and renegotiating his contract, or will they accept an offer that guarantees immediate income for the club?
The transfer market is heating up, and the Dutch midfielder's future is about to be solved.