Barcelona is facing a situation reminiscent of Ousmane Dembélé’s departure, as another key player appears determined to reject all contract extension offers.
Despite efforts from the club’s leadership, including Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco, the player is reportedly seeking a more lucrative deal elsewhere, much like Dembélé’s high-profile move.
Dembélé’s transfer to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) was a significant setback for Barcelona. After lengthy negotiations, he declined the club’s offers and activated his €50 million release clause.
At PSG, he was enticed by a generous salary from Nasser Al-Khelaifi and the persuasion of manager Luis Enrique. The deal highlighted Barcelona’s vulnerability in retaining top talent, and the club is now bracing for a similar challenge.
According to El Nacional, the current issue involves Frenkie de Jong, whose contract runs until 2026. As Barcelona’s highest-paid player, De Jong was expected to agree to an extension with a reduced salary to help the club’s financial situation. However, he has firmly rejected these terms, creating significant concerns within the club.
Speculation is growing that De Jong may already be exploring options with other clubs. Reports suggest he could even have an informal agreement in place, increasing the urgency for Barcelona to act. Losing De Jong on a free transfer would be a major financial blow, especially considering the €85 million investment made to acquire him from Ajax five years ago.
PSG, which previously capitalized on Barcelona’s struggles by signing players like Dembélé, Neymar, and Messi, is reportedly monitoring De Jong’s situation closely.
The player is aware that leaving on a free transfer could lead to a substantial salary increase and a lucrative signing bonus. Al-Khelaifi’s ability to leverage Barcelona’s financial difficulties could once again come into play.
For Barcelona, avoiding another costly departure is critical. Laporta and Deco are working to prevent a repeat of past mistakes, but the situation remains precarious.
If De Jong departs, it would not only weaken Barcelona’s squad but also highlight the club’s ongoing struggle to retain top talent amid financial challenges. The coming months will likely determine whether Barcelona can navigate this latest crisis or face another significant setback in their rebuild.
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