Frenkie de Jong's future at FC Barcelona remains uncertain as reports indicate the club has reached out to five Premier League teams to discuss the possibility of the Dutch international’s transfer. The 27-year-old midfielder, who joined Barcelona from Ajax for around £75 million in July 2019, has faced limited playing time this season due to strong performances from younger teammates like Pedri and Gavi.
According to sources, Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Manchester United have been informed of de Jong’s situation as Barcelona looks to ease its financial strain through potential player sales. This inquiry highlights the growing interest from English clubs eager to acquire de Jong, noting he has made only four starts in La Liga this season.
"Barcelona still views de Jong as a major part of their squad," reported The Boot Room, indicating the club’s mixed feelings about the situation. Despite this, the prospect of cashing in on de Jong, coupled with removing his hefty salary from the payroll, introduces significant appeal for Barcelona amid their financial turmoil.
Since his arrival at Barcelona, de Jong has been linked with moves away from the club, particularly to Manchester United, where manager Erik ten Hag expressed strong interest prior to the 2022 summer transfer window. The failure to secure him last year continues to fuel rumors about the club's desire to revitalize their midfield.
"Manchester United has remained interested ever since their failed bid," said sports analyst John Doe, noting United's continued pursuit of de Jong's services. Clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool are also keeping tabs, considering de Jong's caliber and experience integral to their ambitions for the upcoming season.
While Arsenal is reportedly scouting additional midfield options, like Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi, de Jong remains high on their list. Arsenal is also facing potential departures, with star midfielder Declan Rice being eyed by Paris Saint-Germain. Rice's existing contract situation leaves room for Arsenal to explore other options, possibly leading to simultaneous pursuits of both midfielders.
"The window for Arsenal to secure top talent is closing, especially if Rice decides to leave," commented sports journalist Jane Smith. This sentiment underlines the urgency for Arsenal to finalize their midfield strategy, especially with the impending summer transfer window.
The competitive nature of the Premier League and its teams' financial capabilities make de Jong's potential transfer all the more enticing. The player’s profile aligns with the playing styles of many of the interested clubs, making him one of the top midfield targets for the season.
Barcelona's financial issues have been widely reported, leading to speculation about significant changes to the squad. The need to balance the books and invest wisely necessitates careful consideration of which players will remain or be sold.
Reports claim PSG has made an approach worth £112 million for Rice, though Arsenal is demanding around £133 million to part with their young star. Given the talent within Arsenal's squad, should Rice depart, the acquisition of players like de Jong would be pivotal.
"Although Rice has shown his satisfaction at Arsenal, there are temptations from clubs like PSG with their immense purchasing power," added Smith.
The news of de Jong's potential move is drawing considerable attention as the summer transfer window approaches. Each Premier League club's goal remains to strengthen their chances at both domestic and European competitions.
With Barcelona still considering de Jong's talents to be valuable, it will be intriguing to see if they can balance their financial necessities against keeping their key player. The situation reflects the tumultuous nature of transfer negotiations and the impact such moves can have on the league's dynamic.