Although both coach Xavi and the player himself have assured that the relationship will continue beyond this summer, the reality is not so clear in their latest statements.
De Jong wants to continue and improve at Barca
The future of Frenkie de Jong is currently unknown, and his continuity at Barcelona next season is far from guaranteed. Although both coach Xavi Hernandez and the player himself have assured that the relationship will continue beyond this summer, the reality is not so clear in their latest statements. “I feel comfortable at Barcelona,” De Jong said before Barcelona faced Galatasaray recently. “I want to continue and improve.” Now his thinking has changed. Before the last game against Rayo Vallecano, which Barcelona lost, Xavi also suggested De Jong would stay. “He is very important,” Xavi said. “He has to define an era at this club. “He’s at an excellent level, and I’m thrilled with him. He has to continue. He has to score, assist, and he has to be an important player.”
Frenkie is a player with a high market value
Jordi Cruyff said that he is a highly valued player at the club and that, at the moment, he is not thinking of selling him, although he made it clear that “he is a player with a high market value”. But De Jong is not completely happy at the club and is not ruling out an exit in the summer. He is not satisfied with what is happening this season. Indeed, Xavi always speaks highly of him, but his decisions do not match up with his words. In the last 27 games, the Dutchman has played under the new coach; he has only completed seven. This is too few for a player who should be an undisputed starter and play practically every game. That is why 75 million euros was paid to him.
Manchester United have turned their attention to De Jong
De Jong is becoming a habit of being substituted at the 60th minute of the match. In the 27 games mentioned above, he has been substituted 14 times. This happened last Sunday against Rayo, and the midfielder, visibly angry, went to the dressing room. It’s not just a once-off annoyance; it’s been going on for a long time. Frenkie has suitors. Manchester United have turned their attention to him with the arrival of Erik ten Hag on the bench, the coach under whom he played his best football at Ajax. They’re not the only interested party. Bayern Munich have always had him in mind. He is a player who is very much liked in Bavaria, and it cannot be ruled out that they will make an offer for him, and he is open to hearing offers.
Barcelona, for their part, are not closing the door on a sale because they know that he is one of the most valuable players in the squad and that they can get good money for him. They would sell him for the 75 million he cost them three years ago. That would give them more chances to sign a top-level player in the summer. It shouldn’t be forgotten that they’re keen on Bayern’s Robert Lewandowski, as well.