Frenkie de Jong has teased a potential exit from Barcelona in the summer transfer window. The Dutch midfielder was heavily linked with a switch to the Premier League last year, but remained at the Camp Nou for the 2022/23 campaign.
football.london reported last summer that Chelsea liked the idea of signing De Jong and they were even confident of securing his signature. But, despite a dispute over his contract with the Catalan side, the Netherlands international decided to stay and he's since played an integral role in the club's recent success.
The 26-year-old is under contract until 2026 with Barcelona but due to the club's ongoing financial difficulties - many players are at risk of being sold this summer. Speaking to TV3 ahead of the El Clasico in March, De Jong reiterated his desire to remain at Barcelona for 'many years'.
"Hopefully I can play in the new Camp Nou. Barcelona has always been the club of my dreams and I want to stay here for many years," he said.
"For me, the Camp Nou is the most beautiful stadium in the world. The plans for the stadium are very good.
"To continue here for many years. Barca is the team of my dreams. Playing in a Clasico is a very difficult feeling to explain.
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"When I was a child, I dreamed of doing it with Barca and now I can do it. It's a very important game for the fans and also for the players, a game that can decide a league."
Now, De Jong has offered a fresh stance on his future with a rather unconvincing take ahead of the summer transfer window. The 26-year-old midfielder said: “I feel good at Barça, as always.
"If all goes to plan, I will stay at Barcelona next season. You can never say it’s 100% in football, but I suppose I’ll be at Barcelona next year."
football.london understands Mauricio Pochettino wants to sign a new central midfielder at Stamford Bridge - which may turn into two or three additions with the likes of Mateo Kovacic, Conor Gallagher and N'Golo Kante facing uncertain futures. Their exits could reduce the wage bill significantly and see the Blues reignite their interest in De Jong - though it remains to be seen whether he will be open to a move this summer.
Manchester United agreed a £65million deal with Barca to sign De Jong last summer, but the player refused to negotiate personal terms and stayed at the Camp Nou.
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