De Jong to leave Barcelona: Ranking the six clubs that want to sign the Dutch genius

1 May 2024 08:15 BST
4 min read

Frenkie de Jong, Barcelona, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Barcelona have told Frenkie de Jong that he can leave in the summer transfer window, opening up a myriad of possibilities. for the midfield ace.

The Netherlands star, whose latest transfer saga began on Monday, has previously refused to depart the Camp Nou outfit as he is settled with the LaLiga side and commands a strong wage with the Blaugrana.

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Despite De Jong’s misgivings about departing Barca, the latest of which have been exclusively revealed by FootballTransfers, there are six clubs monitoring the situation, according to Fichajes.

Using SciSports’ Career Advice tool, FootballTransfers has ranked these from the worst to the best option for the 26-year-old.

Current ETV

ETV Range

€36.4M - €60.6M

6. PSG

SciSports Club Fit: 69

Champions League semi-finalists PSG are rated the worst of De Jong’s options if he were to leave Barcelona.

While Luis Enrique’s playing style would appear suited to the Dutchman, low potential development, a formation unsuited to him and limited predicted playing time means that this is a move that he should be avoiding.

READ MORE: Latest Barcelona transfer rumours

5. Liverpool

SciSports Club Fit: 69

Like PSG, there is a chance that De Jong would not get enough playing time at Liverpool to justify leaving Barcelona, according to the calculations of SciSports.

The Reds, meanwhile, are better suited in terms of development, potential and formation, scoring four stars in all these departments.

It should be noted that this calculation is based on Jurgen Klopp’s preferences and not those of incoming boss Arne Slot.

4. Man Utd

SciSports Club Fit: 77

Long-time admirers of De Jong, Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United score well in their suitability for the manager’s former Ajax charge.

Frenkie would instantly become a key starter at Old Trafford, and indeed if playing time is his priority then the Red Devils are the outfit with the highest Club Fit score that secure five stars in this capacity.

Playing style and formation also suit him but his opportunities to develop are low.

All this could change with Ten Hag’s likely summer exit, though.

Nevertheless, ranked fourth among all clubs for De Jong, Man Utd should be seen as a legitimately good move for the technical wizard.

3. Arsenal

SciSports Club Fit: 80

Arsenal are seeking a central midfielder ahead of the summer transfer window, so could Frenkie de Jong be the player they’re after?

With a Club Fit score of 80 and ranked third overall, the Gunners are well-placed to make a move.

Mikel Arteta’s side offer De Jong the prospect of five-star development as well as a good fit in terms of style and formation, but they only get two stars in the playing time department.

© IMAGO - Frenkie de Jong has long been linked with a departure from Barcelona

2. Bayern

SciSports Club Fit: 83

Bundesliga runners-up Bayern are a solid option across the board for De Jong.

FCB do not score worse than three stars in any particular category and notch four in playing time and playing style, while nailing five in the formation that they use.

Again, though, Thomas Tuchel’s departure in the summer could change their suitability depending on who the next head coach is. Ralf Rangnick is presently favourite.

1. Manchester City

SciSports Club Fit: 85

It should come as little surprise that a team managed by Pep Guardiola is perfect for a Barcelona star like De Jong. Indeed, the Cityzens come out on top as his ideal destination by two clear marks.

The Etihad club score five stars across the board, except in terms of playing time, with Frenkie having to compete with some top players in the heart of the field to win a regular place.

The thought of him linking up with Kevin De Bruyne, though, is mouthwatering.