Barcelona have reiterated that they require a decision on Frenkie de Jong‘s future “imminently” and are threatening legal action in the event that the Dutch midfielder does not comply, according to a report from CBS’ Ben Jacobs. The Catalan club are requesting that the player either takes a 50% pay cut or leaves the club before the date for La Liga player registration. Both Manchester United and Chelsea are interested in acquiring the midfielder, with the Blues having recently taken the lead in this race.
Frenkie de Jong’s Future: Barcelona Demand a Decision From Star Player Amid Manchester United and Chelsea Interest
Barcelona have reiterated to Frenkie de Jong he must take a 50% pay cut or leave. They expect decision imminently. They want it today. Threat of legal action against current deal hasn’t moved further yet. As reported, #CFC optimistic of an €80m+ deal but waiting on FDJ decision.
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) August 11, 2022
Why Is a Decision Necessary?
Barcelona’s current financial troubles are well-documented. La Liga’s financial fair play regulations mean that clubs without balanced books have less to spend on transfers. As Las Blaugranas try to recover from their debts, the side is taking increasingly desperate measures. One of the most recent of these measures was an executive asking UEFA for Champions League revenue years in advance to apply for a loan. The club is increasingly desperate to increase its revenue and reduce its costs.
Without making more budget space, the club can’t register their new signings. Players such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Jules Kounde will miss out on precious minutes in the months leading into a World Cup, which could put their international selection at risk. Selling valuable players or reducing the wage bill is one of the biggest tools available to the Catalan side.
Why Is It Frenkie de Jong’s Decision?
Frenkie de Jong, in another universe, could be one of the jewels in the crown at Barca. A creative midfielder with the ability to defend when necessary, the Netherlands international is the ideal pivot for a club seeking a well-rounded midfielder. For his quality services, he is highly paid and would cost a lot of money for another club to buy. His quality is exactly why Barcelona need to sell him.
However, the club alone cannot force the player out. After all, De Jong has a contract with his employer, and his state-mandated buyout clause will be in the hundreds of millions. That’s why the club, and the fans, are pressuring the player into a decision as soon as possible. If the Camp Nou is to see its newest stars in La Liga, either Barca or the Dutchman will have to give way.
Where Can Frenkie de Jong Go?
If the besieged midfielder decides against taking the 50% pay cut that the club are demanding of him, he has plenty of options available. Manchester United are one of the sides pushing for the player’s signature. However, a lack of Champions League football means that the Red Devils are a far less interesting option for de Jong. On the contrary, Chelsea can offer the 25-year-old Champions League football during the 2022/23 season.
In any case, the Catalans need a decision quickly, or their squad for the season opener against Rayo Vallecano may be far thinner than anticipated.
.@LluisMascaro: "The Frenkie de Jong situation, however it may end, has to end quickly. More tension builds up every day. His firm (although legitimate) stance is causing uncertainty within the club and angering the fanbase." pic.twitter.com/3UT5WYkGhj
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) August 12, 2022
