Transfer Centre

Frenkie de Jong slams "lies" over Barcelona exit talk

By Ben Sully | 21 February 2024

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong slams reports suggesting that he is open to leaving the Catalan giants at the end of the season.

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has admitted that he is angry over reports that suggest he is open to leaving Barcelona this summer.

De Jong was previously linked with a move away from Barcelona in the summer of 2022 when Manchester United appeared to be leading the race to secure his signature.

However, a transfer ultimately failed to transpire after the Dutchman insisted that he wanted to remain with the Catalan giants.

A recent report claimed that De Jong's situation had changed, and he was now prepared to entertain the prospect of leaving the club at the end of the season.

Although Xavi has said that De Jong is happy at the club, there has been speculation linking him with the likes of Man United and Chelsea.

Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong in action with Osasuna's Ante Budimir on January 11, 2024 © Reuters

French champions Paris Saint-Germain have also been mooted as a potential destination for the Netherlands international.

The 26-year-old has now hit out at those rumours ahead of Wednesday's clash with Napoli in the first league of the Champions League last 16.

"Recently I am a little angry with what the press write in general," De Jong told reporters at Tuesday's press conference.

"A lot of stuff that is not true has come out. I can't understand it, people reporting lies. It's irritating me a little.

Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong pictured during training on February 22, 2023 © Reuters

"For example, [the media] speak a lot about my contract, my salary etc... it's a lot of smoke, a lot of lies, that I'm earning €40m (£34m) or whatever. That is a long way from what I earn. I won't say numbers, but a story has been invented that is not true.

"[The media] must change what they are doing to many coaches and players, because you are writing things and inventing things that are not true. I am really happy at Barca, I have always said it. This is the club of my dreams, I hope I can play here for many more years."

De Jong, who is under contract until 2026, has been a regular fixture in Xavi's side, starting in all 24 of his competitive appearances this season.

After beating Celta Vigo at the weekend, Barcelona will have the opportunity to extend their unbeaten run to five matches in their midweek trip to Naples.