Barcelona want De Jong transfer decision TODAY
Ben Jacobs
- 11 Aug 2022 11:38 BST
- 3 min read
Barcelona have told Frenkie de Jong that they want a decision over his future today as Chelsea and Manchester United continue to push to sign the Netherlands international player, CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs can confirm.
Barca have given the Netherlands international an ultimatum that either he accepts a 50% pay cut or leaves the club. The Camp Nou outfit, meanwhile, are still holding the threat of legal action over the player over his latest deal, which was agreed under the previous president, Josep Maria Bartomeu.
Related articles
De Jong, meanwhile, has been digging his heels in over the move. He has no great desire to leave Barcelona nor sacrifice a massive wage to fall in line with the club’s new salary structure. Indeed, the latest indications are that the Netherlands international is prepared to take his case to FIFPro, the players’ union.
Barcelona’s willingness to take their own employee to court, meanwhile, is a “last resort”, according to sources but it is more than an empty threat. This is despite president Joan Laporta previously indicating that he will “respect” De Jong’s deal.
De Jong situation playing into Chelsea's hands
The Camp Nou side’s new bullishness over the deal has been driven by their desire to get Bernardo Silva through the door before the close of the summer transfer window, with the Manchester City man a major target for Xavi.
The situation also suits Chelsea, who have come into this saga midway through and do not want this situation to drag out. Manchester United, meanwhile, may have missed their window to sign the player.
The Blues are optimistic that an agreement for a transfer worth over €80 million can be struck, but it will all boil down to what the player decides to do.
De Jong wants to stay at Barcelona but without a pay cut, a move away remains likely and it is Chelsea who are clearly leading the way for the midfielder.
