BAYERN MUNICH are monitoring Frenkie de Jong amid Barcelona’s financial crisis, according to reports.
The Dutchman caught the eye of the Bundesliga side during his rise at Ajax, which led to a £68million switch to the Camp Nou.
Frenkie de Jong is seen as a major asset for Barcelona’s short and long-term futureCredit: Reuters
According to ESPN, a speculative offer of £65m was floated by Bayern during the summer, only to be rebuffed by Barcelona.
The German giants were said to be testing the water during their rivals’ economic turmoil.
Stars including Luis Suarez and Arturo Vidal were sold as the coronavirus pandemic bit on a club with a notoriously high wage bill.
Two round of pay cuts have been agreed in the past nine months, the latest coming in November and totalling £110m.
De Jong signed a new contract a month earlier, extending his deal to 2026, which reportedly included a 30 per cent wage deferral.
Despite their interest, Bayern are described as highly unlikely to pull off a deal to sign the 23-year-old in January.
The midfielder is one of the key talents Barcelona are determined to hold onto as they come through this crisis.
Reserve goalkeeper Neto and defender Junior Firpo are named as two players up for sale when the window opens, with Antoine Griezmann and Philippe Coutinho available for the right price.
In any case, the Blaugrana’s transfer plans may change drastically when a new club president is elected on January 24.
Former chief Joan Laporta is the frontrunner to re-take the helm – and the 58-year-old set up a huge billboard on a huge billboard on the streets of Madrid on Tuesday.
The banner declared his hope that he sees Real Madrid fans soon, in a clear sign of his confidence at not only reclaiming the presidency but also shooting Barcelona up the table.
Ronald Koeman’s side sit eighth before the midweek visit of first-placed Real Sociedad.
Frenkie de Jong shows off his shooting skills in Barcelona training
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
