Frenkie de Jong, almost every summer, is placed on the exit ramp. Barcelona have been in dire financial straits for several seasons now, and the Dutchman’s good value, despite not having performed at an exaggerated level, is always an asset to be considered. With less than two weeks to go until La Liga opener against Valencia, his presence in the squad is as doubtful as it is on a day-to-day basis.
The former Ajax man is still injured after picking up an ankle injury in April following a tackle from Fede Valverde. This caused him to miss the end of the season and the European Championship, where his national team reached the semi-finals. His situation has not improved: he has not trained in the pre-season and was left out of the squad for the ‘Cules’ USA tour.
Last season, he started all 30 games in which he played with Xavi. Although it is not his most direct attribution, he only scored 2 goals in almost 2,500 minutes played. But assists should be an aspect of his own, and he didn’t provide any. Hansi Flick wants to see him to try to get back to his best and see if he can be a piece that fits in the new system, but his return is a question mark.
This means that the option of a departure is gaining momentum. It is no secret that Dani Olmo is in the club’s plans, an operation that would be covered with what is expected to be paid for a player who has a reputation in other big leagues. Furthermore, his salary is very high, so if he were to leave, it would be another considerable saving for Barca, who also intend to make a considerable outlay for Nico Williams.