Las Palmas stunned Barcelona with a surprising 2-1 victory on Saturday during the 15th round of the Spanish League. The defeat left Barcelona with 34 points at the top of the league standings, just four points ahead of their arch-rivals, Real Madrid.
However, Real Madrid still has two games in hand, and victories in those matches could see them leapfrog the Catalan side to claim the top spot.
The loss has added pressure on Barcelona, with club president Joan Laporta reportedly contemplating significant changes to avoid a potential season collapse. According to the Catalan newspaper Sport, Laporta is particularly dissatisfied with the performance of Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
The president believes de Jong is not demonstrating the required commitment to the team, criticizing his lack of pressing, perceived indifference on the field, and insufficient fight for the club’s badge.
While Barcelona has offered de Jong a contract renewal, the player has yet to respond, fueling speculation about his future at the club. Laporta is reportedly considering terminating de Jong’s contract in January, a move that would free the club of his substantial wages.
The plan includes replacing him with a higher-quality player capable of delivering consistent performances and positively impacting the team’s results.
Laporta’s frustration with de Jong has grown to the point where he is determined to part ways with the midfielder as soon as possible.
Reports suggest that the Barcelona president is actively exploring options to offload de Jong in the winter transfer window. The club aims to restructure its squad to maintain competitiveness in the league and improve its overall performance.
This decision would mark a bold step for Laporta, reflecting his commitment to safeguarding Barcelona’s season and reinforcing the squad to ensure they remain title contenders.
However, whether Barcelona can find a suitable replacement for de Jong and navigate the challenges of the transfer market remains to be seen.
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