Joan Laporta is still having to deal with past mistakes at Barça. Before "quitting", Bartomeu had renewed Frenkie de Jong's contract for an astronomical salary that makes him, today, the highest paid player in the Barça squad. The president wants to get rid of him, seeing that he doesn't fit into the style of play. He has briefly talked it out with the team, who have already given their approval, including Dani Olmo.
Frenkie de Jong has recovered late from his injury and hasn't yet really taken off. With him in the midfield, Hansi Flick's Barça offers a slower style of play than usual. He just doesn't fit into the squad. Although he is one of the captains, it's been considered that the best thing for everyone is to get rid of him. He is not included in the sporting planning for next season. However, as usual, the Dutchman will have the final say.
Frenkie de Jong has repeatedly rejected his departure from Barça. Shortly after Laporta returned to the presidency, he closed a deal for him to go to Manchester United. Still, the midfielder didn't like it at all and rejected it. In recent years, the Red Devils have tried on other occasions, always meeting with the player's refusal.
The main problem for Barça is that this option is no longer on the table. Manchester United has changed its manager and lost interest in Frenkie de Jong. "Placing" him on the market will be more complicated than ever and they don't expect to get a big payout for his departure. His contract ends in 2026 and, so far, he's rejected all offers to renew, in which he would earn much less than now.
Laporta Offers Frenkie De Jong a Plan
Madrid-Barcelona has learned that the new contract that Laporta is offering Frenkie de Jong has a surprise clause. We are talking about an agreement similar to the one that Dembélé signed years ago: a termination clause in case he wants to leave, plus a significant reduction in salary.
Frenkie de Jong is highly respected in the Barça locker room. Dani Olmo and the rest of his teammates are amazed by what they see in training. However, when he has to play, everything changes: He's more afraid, less prone to clashing and he slows down the game.
The plan is clear with Frenkie de Jong: He is not expected to be back for next season. He hasn't replied to offers to renew his contract and will be put on the market. If he does agree to leave, his sale is not expected to exceed 25 or 30 million euros.