EXCLUSIVE: ‘Bulls***’ – The truth behind De Jong’s Barcelona exit rumours

Steve Kay

• Updated: 11 Feb 2024 11:06 GMT
• 3 min read

Exclusive

Frenkie de Jong does not wish to leave Barcelona in the summer, FootballTransfers has been told by a source close to the player, who described reports indicating otherwise as “bulls***”.

News broke in Spain on Friday that the Netherlands international is seeking a way out of the Camp Nou club this summer, adding that he is not happy with how the team is performing in Europe and that he wants to play for a side capable of challenging for the Champions League.

De Jong is unlikely to be short of suitors, with Manchester United notably having chased him intently 18 months ago.

FootballTransfers, however, has been told that claims the 26-year-old wants out of Barcelona are wide of the mark.

One source described the reports out of hand, branding them “bulls***”.

De Jong has no intention of leaving Barcelona, which is the club of his dreams. Under contract until 2026, the Catalan side have little say in whether the player leaves or not.

But Barca’s financial issues are pushing them to try to sell the former Ajax star.

De Jong's Barcelona contract causing problems

De Jong is currently being paid deferred wages from the Covid-19 pandemic and is scooping an estimated €37.5 million per year or around €720,000 per week. On top of this, Barca still owe the player several million more.

Instead, it is believed that the Catalan club are spreading misinformation in a bid to unsettle the player, who they do not wish to retain on his current deal.

Previously, Barcelona had threatened to sue De Jong over his contract, which was agreed under the presidency of Josip Maria Bartomeu. Barca alleged the terms given to De Jong by the previous board involved criminality.

Now Mundo Deportivo reports De Jong has rejected a new contract from Barcelona that runs until 2029. That he turned this deal down is being used as further evidence that the player wants to leave the club, despite the fact that the terms offered included a significant wage reduction.

FootballTransfers understands that De Jong simply wants to remain at Barcelona on his current contract and has no interest in leaving or reducing his wages.