Transfer Centre

Barcelona 'could sell Frenkie de Jong to raise Robert Lewandowski funds'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 18 May 2022

Barcelona 'could sell De Jong to raise Lewandowski funds'

Barcelona could sell Frenkie de Jong this summer to raise funds to move for Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski, according to a report.

Barcelona are reportedly open to selling Frenkie de Jong during this summer's transfer window, as the Catalan giants look to raise funds to move for Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski.

Manchester United and Manchester City continue to be linked with De Jong, who has been a regular for his La Liga side this term, making 46 appearances in all competitions, contributing four goals and five assists.

Barcelona boss Xavi and club president Joan Laporta have both recently refused to rule out a summer exit for the Netherlands international, with the club still dealing with financial issues.

"We will do what is best for the club. If the economic levers that we want to activate come off, no player will leave for economic reasons," Laporta told Catalunya Radio.

Meanwhile, Xavi said last weekend: "He's an important player for me, and he started every game except for a few due to rotations. But it depends on the economic situation. For me, Frenkie could be one of the club legends."

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong pictured in October 2021 © Reuters

A recent report claimed that Barcelona would be prepared to sell the Dutchman for a fee in the region of £50m, with incoming Man United head coach Erik ten Hag pushing to sign the player that he had at Ajax.

According to German journalist Florian Plettenberg, De Jong to Old Trafford could be 'one of the biggest transfers' of the summer.

Plettenberg claims that Xavi is fighting to keep hold of the Dutchman, but Barcelona need to sell to raise funds to move for Lewandowski, which could lead to De Jong being allowed to leave in the upcoming market.

Lewandowski has again been in excellent form for Bayern this term, scoring 50 goals and registering seven assists in 46 appearances in all competitions.

The Poland international's contract at Allianz Arena is due to expire next June, though, and he said last weekend that he wants to leave the German champions this summer.

Robert Lewandowski in action for Bayern Munich in February 2022 © Reuters

"I won't sign a new contract. We have to find the best solution for both sides. I told the club that if an offer comes in, then we have to think about it - also for the club," Lewandowski told Sky Deutschland.

Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic and club president Herbert Hainer have both recently insisted that the forward will not be leaving the club this summer.

Barcelona are believed to have already agreed a three-year contract with the 33-year-old, though, and are working to convince the Bundesliga champions to let him leave during this summer's transfer window.

The Catalan outfit's head coach Xavi is believed to want up to eight new signings ahead of the 2022-23 campaign, with deals for Chelsea's Andreas Christensen and AC Milan's Franck Kessie on free transfers already secured.

Barcelona remain in contract talks with Ousmane Dembele, meanwhile, with Laporta revealing on Tuesday that there is an offer on the table for the France international.