During private talks, Barcelona reportedly informed Chelsea they could beat Manchester United to the Frenkie de Jong contract. Barcelona’s side insisted that despite their spending spree this summer, they cannot afford to pay the Dutchman wages, and they will happily sell Frenkie De Jong. Asked about the ongoing situation surrounding de Jong, La Liga President Javier Tebas sent Barcelona a cautionary note on its actions going forward. Manchester United legend Gary Neville said De Jong is expected to file legal proceedings against Barcelona for not paying the Dutchman unpaid wages while going on a spending spree which saw them sign Robert Lewandowski and a few other players. Gary Neville tweeted: “De Jong should consider legal action v Barcelona and all players should be behind him! A club spending fortunes on new players whilst not paying the ones they have under contract their full money is immoral and a breach. @FIFPRO should be all over bullying like this and stop it.”
Manchester United have negotiated a deal with Barcelona for the Dutchman, but he is said to prefer a move to Chelsea or Bayern Munich. As a result, Barcelona is considering loaning De Jong away, as they will be unable to sign Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha unless they can urge him to go or decrease his pay. La Liga President Javier Tebas has given some insight into Barcelona’s attempts to persuade Frenkie De Jong to cut back his delayed wages with Barcelona drastically. President Javier Tebas has also said that the Blaugrana cannot compel a player himself to quit or accept a salary reduction. Javier Tebas has warned Barcelona that pressing Frenkie de Jong for an agreed wage reduction will go against their rules, which are in line with agreements made with the players union, the Association of Futbolistas Espanoles (AFE).
Frenkie de Jong has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United throughout the summer; the two clubs have reached an overall deal, with Barcelona looking keen to bring de Jong and his wages over. However, the 25-year-old is pleased with the side and does not want to leave. Manchester United are locked in a lengthy transfer saga with Barcelona and Frenkie de Jong, with Eric Ten Hag singling out the 25-year-old as the primary target. Although United are in the worst position, having missed out on Champions League football by finishing sixth last season, the major issues that have caused him significant worry surround the move away from Barcelona.