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De Jong Open to Leaving Barcelona
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has revealed that he would be willing to leave the “club of his dreams” if certain circumstances arise. Despite being one of the world’s top midfielders when he joined from Ajax for €75m (£62m), the Dutchman has faced significant struggles in his time at the club.
The 27-year-old has been greeted with boos and whistles from the increasingly frustrated Catalan fanbase. Playing under six different coaches in just over five seasons, De Jong’s role has constantly changed, leaving him struggling to find consistency.
Struggles Under Multiple Coaches
De Jong’s time at Barcelona has been far from smooth. After joining the club as a highly sought-after talent, he has had to adapt to different managerial approaches, and his ankle injury has further hindered his performances. Under Hansi Flick, De Jong has been used sparingly to avoid aggravating the injury, which at one point had him considering early retirement.
As the January transfer window opens, speculation about his future intensifies. While his agent and Flick have shared their opinions, De Jong himself offered some clarity on his stance.
“If I Can’t Contribute, I’d Leave”
In an interview with Voetbal International, De Jong shared his thoughts on potentially leaving the club:
“People think that I want to stay at Barcelona forever because life outside of football is very good here, and it is good, but it is still less important than what happens on the pitch. If I felt that I could not contribute enough, or if the team could not compete, I would leave.”
Contract Standoff with Barcelona
De Jong’s contract with Barcelona is one of the main points of contention. The club is reportedly in a standoff with the midfielder over a new deal that would see his wages cut. Currently earning around £300,000-per-week, De Jong’s hefty salary is seen as a burden for a club struggling financially. Despite this, De Jong remains unconcerned:
“My contract renewal is a topic for the newspapers here, but it is not for me. I want to play football and then I will see what the club wants to do with me and then I will decide what I want to do, together with my agent and my family.”
A Trophy Haul That Falls Short
One thing that has certainly disappointed De Jong during his time at Barcelona is his trophy haul. Despite joining a Lionel Messi-inspired Barcelona that was dominating Spanish football, De Jong has only won one La Liga, one Copa del Rey, and one Spanish Super Cup in his four years at the club.
“I have to admit that when I signed for Barcelona I didn’t imagine that I would win just one La Liga, one Copa del Rey and one Spanish Super Cup after four years,” De Jong admitted. “I expected at least double that, so I’m disappointed. Things happen away from home and you can’t predict them.”
Looking Ahead
As Barcelona continues to grapple with its financial challenges, De Jong’s future remains uncertain. His next move could depend on how the situation unfolds over the coming months. With a contract until 2026, De Jong still has plenty of time to make his decision, but his frustration with both his individual achievements and the team’s performance could soon lead to a change.
Will Frenkie de Jong finally secure the silverware he feels he deserves elsewhere, or will he continue to battle for success at Barcelona?
Key Takeaways:
- De Jong open to leaving Barcelona if he can’t contribute
- Contract renewal is in limbo as De Jong focuses on football
- Disappointment over his trophy haul, expecting more success
