Frenkie De Jong’s is closer to a move to FC Barcelona, however, Ajax wants €50m for the youngster.
The Catalan giants are heavily linked with a move for Frenkie De Jong ever since the transfer window opened this summer. While De Jong reportedly wants a move to Spain, Ajax are reluctant to lose another of their first-team starter at such a young age. According to Sport, the Dutch club wants to keep hold of De Jong for at least another season.
Also read: Why ‘Born to Play’ screenings are the place to be for the World Cup
Spanish outlet Sport reports that Ajax are demanding a fee in the region of €50m for the Dutch youngster. De Jong has represented the Netherlands youth side at U15, U18, U19 and U21 level. He currently plays for the U21 squad.
The Dutch starlet is a versatile footballer, and has played in the midfield, central defence, and has also efficiently performed as a pivot at his current club.
Sport reports that the sporting project of FC Barcelona identified the need for a midfielder who is good on the ball, and Barca’s coach had a meeting with manager Ernesto Valverde for the same. With the obvious choices being too expensive, Barcelona shifted their focus on Frenkie De Jong.
Earlier, Barcelona also pursued Tottenham Hotspur’s Christian Eriksen, but Daniel Levy refused to negotiate for a potential transfer. Barcelona considered Verratti but deemed him unfit for the profile, according to Sport.
FC Barcelona completed a deal for Brazilian midfielder Arthur Melo from Gremio in March. However, Barca is now pushing for Arthur to join the club this season, instead of next year.
Meanwhile, Barcelona also reportedly had an offer rejected for Brazilian and Chelsea star Willian. Their second-choice goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen is also considering a move out of the club, following lack of game time.
