Barcelona tipped to sell key midfielder next summer

The powers that be at La Liga giants Barcelona are ready to part with a headline member of the club’s midfield ranks next summer.

That’s according to Diario Sport, who point towards Frenkie de Jong as the player in question.

Dutchman De Jong is for his part of course in the midst of what has proven an altogether difficult start to the new campaign.

Owing to an ankle injury suffered all the way back in April, the former Ajax standout has not managed to take to the pitch even once.

He is thought to be closing on an imminent comeback, but the damage, when it comes to De Jong’s future at least, may well have been done.

As per the aforementioned Sport, owing to both the 27-year-old’s increasingly concerning fitness record, and hefty wage packet, the brass at the Camp Nou are ready to work out an agreement with De Jong with a view to next summer.

As much would see the midfield all-rounder receive the entirety of the foregone wages owed to him for the pandemic period, in exchange for agreeing to a sale to the highest bidder.

It now remains to be seen whether De Jong, who has remained steadfast in his stance that he will not depart Barcelona before the close of his contract, is amenable to such a path forward.

Conor Laird – GSFN