Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has been a candidate to leave the club for the last two summers due to his wages, his status at the club, and the interest he can generate on the transfer market. The Dutchman looks as if he could be on the market again this summer, but one of his main exit routes may be closing.
De Jong was heavily linked with Manchester United in the past, but rejected a move, and he is still thought to be happy to remain in Catalonia this summer. However with Barcelona desperate for major sales, they will listen to offers for him. Previously Football España have reported that de Jong would not rule out a move to Bayern Munich, a side that have previously shown interest in him.
German outlet BILD (via Diario AS) are reporting that a move for de Jong has not generated consensus in the hierarchy at Bayern, who are currently still on the hunt for a manager too. The 26-year-old does not adjust to what Bayern are seeking in midfield, which is a ‘true six’.
It’s a problem Barcelona have grappled with too, and part of the reason de Jong is available for the right price is that he has not been able to occupy the base of midfield on his own. If he were, then Barcelona would likely be looking at other avenues to raise funds, but as things stand, both he and Ronald Araujo appear to have uncertain futures.