Frenkie de Jong should consider legal action against Barcelona for “bullying” him over his contract as Manchester United attempt to push home a £70million transfer.
During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Dutchman deferred a significant portion of his salary towards the end of his contract, which runs to 2026, and he is said to want the money he is owed before agreeing to cut that contract short and accept a move away.
However, according to The Independent, Barcelona have offered over £8.5m less than the £14.5m De Jong is owed to ensure he leaves the club.
It is not actually known if the 25-year-old wants to move to United, having previously gone on record with his desire to stay at the LaLiga giants.
Barcelona boss Xavi wants to continue their transfer spending after agreeing deals for Andreas Christensen, Franck Kessie, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski - by pushing ahead with a move for Chelsea target Jules Kounde.
De Jong should consider legal action v Barcelona and all players should be behind him!A club spending fortunes on new players whilst not paying the ones they have under contract their full money is immoral and a breach. @FIFPRO should be all over bullying like this and stop it.
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) July 25, 2022
Spanish outlet Marca report that players exits, namely that of De Jong and Memphis Depay, are needed first along with the sale of merchandising and TV rights to private investors. Therefore, should the player stay, he is reportedly still being asked to accept a significant pay cut.
That led to former United star Neville’s furious tweet on Monday afternoon, encouraging De Jong to take action.
He tweeted: “De Jong should consider legal action [against] Barcelona and all players should be behind him!
“A club spending fortunes on new players whilst not paying the ones they have under contract their full money is immoral and a breach.
“FIFPRO should be all over bullying like this and stop it.”
