In order to avoid being forced into a corner, Frenkie de Jong “may have to sell.”
Next summer, president Joan Laporta may be obliged to sell Frenkie de Jong and three other players, as she faces yet another difficult decision.
La Blaugrana pulled a number of financial triggers during the most recent summer transfer window, enabling them to splurge out on a number of high-profile players despite having a sizable debt. If no money is produced via player sales, they may be compelled to do so again.
Barca was earlier this year in a dire financial situation as a result of years of dubious trade dealings. In an attempt to balance the books, Laporta was compelled to use a number of financial “levers,” including the sale of a share of their broadcast rights for the next 25 years.
Given the club’s massive debt, which was well known, a successful spending binge that saw them buy players like Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Jules Kounde surprised many. Although it was difficult to register many of those new additions in time for the La Liga season, things have gone well on the field.
After giving up only four goals in their first 12 games, they are one point behind Real Madrid in the domestic La Liga standings. However, the Champions League hasn’t been so kind, as third place in Group C, behind Bayern Munich and Inter Milan, is now a lock.
Pique has already significantly reduced his compensation, and this summer, more wage negotiations took occurred. Since 2008, when Busquets made his breakthrough and four years before Alba’s arrival, the former Manchester United center-back has been back at Barca.
Transfer analyst Fabrizio Romano recently commented on the scenario with De Jong and said: “He always maintained that nothing has changed. There are now no continuing discussions since Frenkie’s condition is the same as it was in June, July, and August and won’t change until he chooses to leave. Numerous teams have shown interest as usual, but nothing new has happened.”
Despite having so many seasoned players in its team, the Camp Nou salary bill is still reportedly an issue. According to Football Espaa, four stars may be put up for auction if the club wants to buy a star player in the summer of 2019.
De Jong’s enormous price tag and enormous salary are seen by the board as somewhat of a “get out of jail free” card. Over the summer, Manchester United was hot on his trail as Erik ten Hag pushed for a £72 million trade that never happened.
