With Frenkie De Jong again heavily linked with an exit from Barcelona, Tottenham Hotspur have been said to be one of the potential destinations for him.
Several stories from the Spanish media have been claimed that Spurs are strongly interested in the midfielder, willing to make a heavy investment in his summer arrival.
De Jong today spoke to the local press, and made it clear he’s not happy with the many rumours about him. The quotes come from Marca.
First speaking about his future, he simply claimed that journalists are making up the stories.
“Lately I’ve been getting a bit irritated. I’m angry with what the press writes in general, a lot of things come out that aren’t true. I can’t understand it. They keep saying things that aren’t true. I don’t know why you’re not ashamed to say it.”
Then regarding a potential renewal with Barcelona, he also refused to get into details on whether he’d sign a new deal.
“You are talking a lot about my contract, situation, salary… it’s a lot of smoke and lies. You say I’m getting paid like €40m and so on… it’s far from reality. I’m not going to say figures. They have invented a story that is not true. I’m very happy at Barça, it’s the club of my dreams and I hope to continue playing here for many years to come.”
Recent reports from Spain claimed that Tottenham are willing to pay up to €60m to get De Jong signed in the summer, although Barcelona may request up to €100m for his sale.
Spurs were said to be competing against Paris Saint Germain for this signing, however it all seemed like the clubs were used as part of an internal struggle at Barcelona.
Similar to when the club wanted to sell the midfielder to Manchester United if he didn’t reduce his salary, this story has seen claims of his wages being a big issue for the Blaugrana.
Once again, there’s pressure on for De Jong to take a pay cut, this time as part of a renewal, and it appears the player has had enough already.