BAYERN MUNICH are in talks with Frenkie de Jong’s agent over a blockbuster move for the Barcelona midfielder, according to reports.
De Jong joined Barca last January from Dutch champions Ajax, who received £67million for his services.
Bayern Munich are reportedly still keen on signing Frenkie de JongCredit: getty
The 23-year-old’s time in Catalunya hasn’t been as successful as many expected, with the Netherlands international scoring two goals and providing five assists in 57 appearances.
But according to Mundo Deportivo, his lacklustre start to life in Spain hasn’t dampened Bayern’s long-standing interest in signing him.
The Spanish newspaper claims the Bundesliga champions have informed De Jong’s agent – Ali Durson – they’re open to signing his client should Barcelona decide to cash in on him.
As it stands, Bayern would have to shatter the world-record transfer fee to sign De Jong – who has a whopping £362m release clause.
However, Barcelona’s current need to raise funds to reduce their astronomical level of debt could see them significantly lower their asking price for the Dutchman.
The Catalan club is currently £800m in the hole and are facing the embarrassing prospect of having to ask their top earners to take wage cuts.
Under-pressure boss Ronald Koeman has already taken a pay cut to his £10m-a-year wages in a bid to alleviate the club’s financial woes.
Getting De Jong off their books would go some way to helping Barca reduce their debt, although his departure would be a huge blow to the club’s long-term plans.
One man who wants to see De Jong remain at the Nou Camp for years to come is Barca legend Xavi, who reckons the Ajax academy graduate is an ‘extraordinary’ player.
The Al Sadd boss, who has regularly been linked with one day becoming Barcelona manager, said: “He is a player who will mark an era. The day that Frenkie de Jong signed for Barcelona made me very happy.
“He is a footballer who can mark an era at Barca and is one of the best of a great generation that Holland has for the World Cup.
“He’s still very young. He’s an extraordinary footballer, a midfielder who isn’t afraid to receive the ball in difficult areas. In short, a very good footballer.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
