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Football London
Football London
Sport
Tom Coley

Former Dutch star says Chelsea must overcome Barcelona 'blackmail' to sign Frenkie de Jong

Barcelona's treatment of Chelsea target Frenkie de Jong has been described as a "monstrosity" as the Spanish club continue to pressure their midfielder into staying at the club, but on their terms.

Due to the financial blackhole that they currently find themselves in Barcelona have been unable to register new players and are constantly seeking new ways of adding extra finance as they seek to bring in additional transfers.

Xavi has already beaten Thomas Tuchel to Raphinha and Jukes Kounde whilst also securing Andreas Christensen on a free contract and ensuring that Ousmane Dembele didn't find his own new club as well.

READ MORE: The part of the season Thomas Tuchel is looking forward to and why he's expecting more transfers

The latest player to be at the centre of the two clubs is 25-year-old de Jong. He has a contract at Camp Nou until 2026 but is already owed more than £17m in deferred wages. This has forced the player into a tough situation whereby he would like to remain in Spain, but serious interest from both Chelsea and Manchester United has given extra reason for the Catalan club to consider cashing in.

Valued at over £70m, de Jong could ease the financial burden on the club if he were to leave, but the recent treatment of the player from his own employers hasn't gone down well, with Gary Neville already voicing serious concerns.

De Jong has also received support from former PSV Eindhoven goalkeeper Ronald Waterreus, who said: "I can no longer hear the slogan 'Més Que Un Club' (more than a club). Barcelona are a commercial monstrosity, in my eyes it symbolises everything that makes modern football so ugly."

Speaking to Algemeen Dagblad he said: "The way in which they are now blackmailing Frenkie is a striking example of this. I hope he keeps his footing and stays unless they harass him more and he smashes his own windows for the World Cup. Then he better go to United, where he’s wanted anyway."

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