As Manchester United wait for an outcome of the soap opera involving Barcelona and Frenkie De Jong, outlet Cope today brings the latest on this case.
It’s now claimed that the Camp Nou side have given the player an ultimatum about his future. Either he accepts a pay cut or leaves the club this summer.
Barcelona carry on with their ‘Operation Exit’, trying to save money from salaries they don’t want to pay. Since De Jong’s wages are high, it’s estimated that his departure could save €40m, so a solution to his case is a priority, with Manchester United still standing as an option.
The Catalan side now believe the midfielder’s agent ‘understands this situation’, as both them and manager Xavi Hernandez explained it to him, despite the player’s wish to stay.
Manchester United are once again named as a potential destination for him. In fact, they’re the only club mentioned in the story, with Cope claiming they have the offer that ‘gained the most strength in recent weeks’.
Despite all of this and the huge pressure Barcelona are putting on De Jong, he has a contract with the club which is valid until June 2026. If he’s still there beyond the summer there’s a good chance he’ll remain an important player for Xavi, and the club would have to pay the wages they’re contracted to do.
The treatment of De Jong has been receiving widespread criticism, especially given his preference would be to stay at Barcelona. He isn’t the only player who has deferred wages set to be paid and has been somewhat singled out, largely because the Catalan club have been tempted by Manchester United’s money.
