Barcelona’s new asking price for Frenkie de Jong shows how far he’s fallen as injury-hit spell sparks transfer decision

Once heralded as a cornerstone of Barcelona's midfield, De Jong has experienced a sharp decline in prominence since Hansi Flick assumed managerial duties. His struggles to secure a consistent starting role have raised doubts about his long-term future at Camp Nou. Compounding De Jong's challenges is the growing discontent among sections of Barcelona's supporters as the 26-year-old midfielder has been booed from the stands, highlighting a noticeable rift between the player and the fanbase.

Reports from SPORT suggest that the Catalan giants are open to accepting offers as low as €20 million (£17m/$21m) for the once indispensable player. De Jong’s current deal with Barcelona runs until 2026, but the club is keen to avoid a situation where the midfielder enters the final year of his contract without an extension. Talks over a renewal have reportedly stalled, and with no immediate resolution in sight, Barcelona are considering a transfer as a pragmatic alternative.

De Jong’s hefty financial burden is another factor driving Barcelona’s openness to a transfer. While the exact figures remain undisclosed, the Netherlands international’s gross annual cost to the club is estimated at a staggering €35 million (£29m/$37m). This significant expenditure has become increasingly difficult for Barcelona to justify, especially given De Jong’s reduced role on the pitch.

As the January transfer window approaches, Barcelona are exploring ways to resolve De Jong’s uncertain future. Selling him for a reduced fee could provide the club with much-needed financial relief while opening the door for other strategic moves in the transfer market. The coming months will be crucial in determining his next steps as it remains to be seen whether he remains at Camp Nou or moves on to new pastures.