“One of the best players in the world”- “We have no intention of selling him” – Barcelona President Joan Laporta claims Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong is not up for sale
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Barcelona president Joan Laporta has stated that the club has “no intention” of selling Manchester United target Frenkie De Jong, but the midfielder may have to accept a salary abatement to remain at Camp Nou.
De Jong, who rose through the ranks at Ajax under Erik ten Hag before joining Barcelona in 2019, has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford since his former manager took over at United. The Netherlands international stated in May that he would prefer to stay at Camp Nou, which he referred to as his “dream club,” but the Blaugrana’s financial difficulties have fueled speculation that he may leave.
Barcelona’s desire to sign wantaway Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski has only fueled such speculation, but Laporta believes De Jong is happy at the club and could stay if a salary agreement can be reached.
“Frenkie de Jong is a Barca player and is recognised as one of the best players in the world,” Laporta told reporters. “We know of clubs that want him, not only United, and we have no intention of selling him. The player, I get the impression, wants to stay. He is comfortable at Barca and I will do what is in my power so that Frenkie stays here, but it is also a salary issue and it would have to be adjusted.”
“What is certain is that the salary levels of some players are not in line with the salary levels that the board of directors that I have the privilege of presiding over have set.”
De Jong appeared in 47 games for Barcelona in the 2021-22 season, scoring four goals and having the best passing accuracy (91.18%) of any midfielder to play at least 20 games in all competitions.
Barcelona President Joan Laporta refused to comment on Robert Lewandowski transfer speculation
Laporta, however, refused to comment on Barcelona’s interest in Lewandowski, instead stating his admiration for the Poland international’s current club. “He is a Bayern player,” referring to the Polish striker, who scored 50 goals for the Bundesliga champions last season.
“Everyone knows that he is a great player, but I would prefer to be reserved because he is a Bayern player. We know that he has publicly stated that he wants to come to Barca and we are very flattered, but we have respect for Bayern Munich, which is one of the best clubs in the world. Between clubs, we respect each other.”
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Sujeeth Shetty
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