Frenkie de Jong’s future at Barcelona continues to be one of the most-discussed topics in the transfer window this summer. The 25-year-old has been a top target for Manchester United, who already have an €85 million agreement with Barça over a transfer.
However, de Jong has been extremely reluctant to leave the club and has no intentions of joining Manchester United at all, leading to the move completely stalling.
But, Barcelona are intent on selling de Jong as they are dependent on him and his compatriot, Memphis Depay, leaving to register their new signings successfully without any hiccups this summer.
To that end, president Joan Laporta held a meeting with de Jong while the team are in the USA for the pre-season tour, reports Mundo Deportivo.
It is claimed that the president explained to de Jong the delicate nature of the situation and presented him with two options – either accept the offer on the table and leave Barça or agree to a salary reduction to comply with the club’s new salary scale.
However, the meeting has not changed the Netherlands international’s stance. De Jong remains steadfast on his decision to remain at Camp Nou and does not contemplate an exit.
At the same time, his agents are not willing to discuss any wage reductions and as the player wants to continue on his current contract, having already agreed to a salary cut in the recent past.
As far as the sporting aspect is concerned, Xavi Hernandez has spoken to de Jong and informed him that he is happy to count on him. However, the manager has warned the Dutchman that he might not play as regularly due to the competition for places.
It remains to be seen as to what the midfielder decides, with things expected to evolve once the team returns from the pre-season tour. For now, though, de Jong has no desire to leave nor take any pay cut.
