In recent years, PSG has become a constant headache for Barça, not only on the field but also in the offices. From Barça's historic comeback in 2017 to the painful subsequent defeats in the Champions League, the Parisian team has been a tough rival. However, their impact hasn't been limited to sports but also to the transfer market.
PSG has leveraged its economic power to snatch important players from Barça, often in controversial ways. Neymar was involved in one of the most controversial transfers in history in 2017 by paying his 222 million euro release clause. Shortly after, more recently, in 2023, Ousmane Dembélé followed the same path, leaving the blaugrana club after activating his release clause.
Luis Enrique Leads the Best Project Ever Made in Paris
For the first time in a long time, PSG has managed to build a solid team with a clear project, led by a familiar face to Barça like Luis Enrique. The Asturian, who made history at the blaugrana club, has managed to give identity to a team that in recent years had been more a collection of stars than a well-worked unit. With dynamic, intense, and offensive soccer, PSG has reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League and has established itself as one of the most dangerous teams in the tournament.
Moreover, the club's management has given Luis Enrique full powers to build the team to his liking. It's no longer about signing high-profile names without a clear plan, but about strengthening the positions the coach considers priorities. According to various reports, the Spanish coach has a clear target for this summer.
PSG Sets Sights on a Barça Player with an Uncertain Future
According to 'El Nacional', Luis Enrique has expressly requested the signing of Frenkie de Jong, considering that the Dutchman would fit perfectly. Therefore, the French club will try to convince the player not to renew with Barça, as his contract ends in 2026.
PSG knows that signing De Jong won't be easy, but they will pressure with a very high financial offer to try to convince the player. If the Dutchman refuses to renew in the coming months, the Parisian team could take advantage of the situation to tempt both the footballer and the blaugrana management.
Barça Negotiates to Renew Him
Barça, meanwhile, is not willing to let Frenkie de Jong go. The sports management is clear that the midfielder is a key piece for the future and, therefore, is already working on his renewal. The club's intention is to ensure that the Dutchman extends his contract beyond 2026.
However, Barça is also aware that if PSG insists on his signing, they won't let him leave for less than 100M. That would be the minimum amount required to negotiate a possible sale, although the club's priority remains to retain the player. Fortunately for the culés, everything points to De Jong being closer to staying than leaving, as he feels valued in the team with Flick.