On August 7, Barcelona played Pumas in a Joan Gamper Trophy pre-season game. The 6-0 win wasn’t very newsworthy but what was headline-worthy were the comments from club manager Xavi Hernandez and president Joan Laporta on the future of Frenkie de Jong.
Per Fabrizio Romano’s daily briefing for Caught Offside, the manager was quoted as stating: “I don’t know what will happen to Frenkie de Jong. Until August 31st anything can happen. He knows what I think and what the club want and need. Of course I’m counting on him, he’s a great player.”
The Blaugrana president was more assured in his comments: “Frenkie’s our player and we want him to stay at Barcelona, he wants to stay too. With him and his teammates, we have a very powerful midfield. He has offers, but we want him to stay”
Barcelona Leadership Comment on Frenkie de Jong Future
🚨 Here we go – the latest EXCLUSIVE transfer news from @FabrizioRomano
👀 Ronaldo benched vs Brighton – what happens next?
⌛ When Werner to RB Leipzig will be announced
➕ Plus Maddison, Diaby, and more!
— CaughtOffside (@caughtoffside) August 8, 2022
In-Demand
Manchester United have been chasing the Dutch midfielder for almost the entire summer transfer window, but recently Premier League rivals Chelsea have thrown their hat into the ring and begun to show interest in the 25-year-old.
With two massive teams competing for the Dutch international’s signature, it is going to be difficult for Laporta’s desire to keep him to come to fruition.
Necessary Exit
As has been discussed for some time now Barcelona are in a lot of debt despite bringing in big-name players this off-season. Some concessions will have to be made and recouping some of the money spent is no doubt of importance to the higher-ups.
Barça president Laporta on Frenkie de Jong: “Frenkie’s our player and we want him to stay at Barcelona, he wants to stay too”. 🚨🇳🇱 #FCB
“With him and his teammates, we have a very powerful midfield. He has offers, but we want him to stay”. @ReshadRahman_ pic.twitter.com/TZqllbKZFd
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 7, 2022
Read More: Barcelona Agree £49 Million Fee for Brazilian Winger Raphinha
De Jong will likely command a big fee and getting his wages off the books would be a healthy boost for the five-time Champions League winners.
