Transfer Centre

Barcelona to leave Manchester United-linked Frenkie de Jong out of pre-season squad?

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 15 July 2022

Barcelona to leave Man United-linked De Jong out of pre-season squad?

Barcelona consider leaving Frenkie de Jong out of the squad that will travel to America for their pre-season tour, according to a report.

Barcelona are reportedly 'seriously pondering' leaving Frenkie de Jong out of the squad that will travel to America for their pre-season tour.

The Netherlands international continues to be strongly linked with a move to Manchester United, and it is understood that the two clubs have now come to an agreement over a transfer fee for the midfielder.

The 20-time English champions have allegedly agreed to pay €75m (£63.5m) plus add-ons for the 25-year-old, with the overall package said to be in the region of €85m (£72m).

However, Man United have still not been able to convince the Dutchman to move to Old Trafford, with the player keen to remain at Camp Nou.

"I prefer to stay with Barcelona. Barcelona is just my dream club. Also from a young age. I just said it too. I've never regretted my choice despite the fact that I had hoped for more in terms of prizes than I've achieved so far. But I have never regretted my choice," the midfielder told ESPN earlier this summer.

Frenkie de Jong in action for Barcelona on April 18, 2022 © Reuters

"You are always flattered when teams show interest in you as a player," De Jong also told reporters in June. "But I think I am at the biggest club in the world at the moment and feel fine there so there is no news."

Barcelona are believed to be keen to sell De Jong to boost their transfer budget, and his exit could allow them to complete a deal for Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski.

According to Sport, the Catalan giants are considering leaving De Jong out of their pre-season squad in order to force him to accept an exit this summer.

The report claims that the club want to send a 'very clear message' to the former Ajax youngster and are prepared to take 'drastic' action due to their desire to push through the deal in the near future.

Barcelona allegedly need to sell De Jong in order to sign Sergi Roberto a new contract and register their two summer arrivals, Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen.

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong pictured in January 2021 © Reuters

Barcelona's squad are due to travel to America on Saturday for matches against Inter Miami, Real Madrid, Juventus and New York Red Bulls.

De Jong still has another four years left to run on his contract at Barcelona, and it is understood that he would receive a huge increase in his wages if he stayed with the club this summer, which is another reason why Xavi's side are keen to sell him in the current window.

Last season, the midfielder made 46 appearances in all competitions, contributing four goals and five assists in the process, helping the team finish second in La Liga behind Real Madrid.

Man United boss Erik ten Hag is believed to have identified the midfielder as his leading transfer target in early recruitment meetings with his new side.

The Dutchman has represented Barcelona on 138 occasions since arriving from Ajax in the summer of 2016, contributing 13 goals and 17 assists in the process.