In recent years, Barรงa has done everything possible to find a way to offload Frenkie De Jong from Camp Nou, but the Dutch midfielder has consistently refused to leave.
The Two Highest-Paid Players on the Team
Frenkie De Jong is the second highest-paid player at Barรงa, with only Robert Lewandowski earning more. Lewandowski’s salary stands at 33 million gross, while De Jong receives a fixed 23 million plus an additional two million in performance-related bonuses.
Laporta’s Desire for a Change
Joan Laporta wants both players out of the club in order to control a wage bill thatโs been difficult to manage. Both Lewandowski and De Jong agreed years ago to take reduced wages in exchange for receiving the deferred payments in the final years of their contracts, and this is whatโs currently happening with both players.
Lewandowski vs. De Jong: The Difference in Impact
While Lewandowski is a regular starter, scores goals, and plays a crucial role for the team, De Jongโs situation is more concerning. Not only is he not a starter, but heโs also not even one of the first substitutes. In a recent match against Leganรฉs, he wasnโt even called up. Essentially, De Jong is dispensable in terms of performance and wouldnโt disrupt the teamโs plans if he were gone.
The Financial Perspective
From a financial standpoint, De Jongโs value has already been depreciated after six seasons at Barรงa, and Laporta is prepared to take decisive action.
The Unsuccessful Chelsea Deal
Laporta has tried to include De Jong in various transfer negotiations, hoping his departure would facilitate the arrival of a valuable player. A recent attempt involved a deal with Chelsea, where De Jong and Ferran Torres were offered in exchange for Enzo Fernรกndez. However, the deal fell through mainly because De Jong has shown no interest in leaving Barรงa. He has settled into his new mansion and intends to stay until at least 2027.
Laporta now seems ready to make a final move: granting De Jong a free transfer to reduce the wage burden, letting him join any club he desires while keeping the transfer fee for himself. Laportaโs frustration is evident, and heโs willing to let De Jong go rather than continue managing the situation. Itโs also worth noting that De Jong wasnโt a transfer made by Laporta himself.
