Barça has moved heaven and earth in recent years to find a place for Frenkie De Jong away from Camp Nou. The Dutch midfielder, however, has always refused to leave Barça.
The Two Highest-paid Players on the Team
Frenkie De Jong is the second highest-paid player on the Barça team. Only Robert Lewandowski earns more.
The Polish player earns 33 million gross. The Dutchman receives 23 million fixed plus another two in variables.
Laporta wants both out of the club to balance a wage bill that can’t be tamed.
Both the Polish and the Dutch players accepted years ago to earn less than agreed with the condition of receiving the arrears in the last years of their contracts. That’s what’s happening now with both.
Lewandowski is a Starter and Scores Goals. Frenkie is Bench Material
Lewandowski, at least, is a starter, plays, scores goals, and makes a difference. He does all this both in the Pichichi and the Ballon d’Or.
Frenkie De Jong’s situation is more concerning because not only does he not play, but he’s not even the first in the rotations. Against Leganés, he didn’t even appear.
In other words, Frenkie De Jong is absolutely dispensable in the sporting aspect. His disappearance wouldn’t cause any disruption in Flick’s plans.
In accounting terms, Frenkie De Jong is amortized after six seasons at Barça. Laporta is ready to take the bull by the horns.
The Failed Operation with Chelsea
He’s tried to include him in different deals with the hope that his departure would help bring in some interesting player. The latest was negotiated with Chelsea, offering Frenkie and Ferran in exchange for Enzo Fernández.
No deal has been closed, however, mainly because Frenkie De Jong has never shown willingness to leave Barça. He has built a mansion and doesn’t plan to leave it before 2027.
Laporta will play the last card he has: granting him a free transfer to free up the wage bill and allow him to go wherever he wants, keeping all the transfer money himself.
Laporta’s desperation has reached this point. He’d rather give him away than keep putting up with him. Also, let’s not forget: Frenkie De Jong isn’t a transfer of his.
