La Liga president Javier Tebas has warned Barcelona that Frenkie de Jong cannot be pressured into taking a pay cut.
The Dutch midfielder has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester United all summer, with the two clubs broadly reaching an agreement and Barcelona are keen to move De Jong and his wages on.
However, it’s believed the 25-year-old is happy at the club and does not want to leave, while there is also the issue of deferred wages. De Jong is owed €17m and, despite signing the likes of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, Barcelona appear unwilling to pay that in full to allow a move to go through.
It’s been reported that Barcelona have now told De Jong he must accept a salary reduction if he is to stay at the Nou Camp, with Gary Neville telling the midfielder he should sue the club.
Tebas has insisted the player cannot be forced into any pay cut.
“The players cannot be split from the team or pressured - it’s what collective agreement, the Law, reason, ethics say,” Tebas said via Sport.
“From there, Barcelona knows the rules and the responsibilities.”
Along with Lewandowski and Raphinha, Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie were signed earlier in the summer, while Barcelona are closing in on the signing of Jules Kounde. They are also still in for Chelsea duo Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta.
It’s uncertain whether Barcelona will be able to register these new players for the start of the season, but Tebas has given a largely positive update on the situation.
“They know what they have to do - I think that they still have a bit of work to do but they are on the right track,” Tebas said.
“Ask FC Barcelona. I can say that they know the rules well and they are well aware of what they have to do. They still need to do it, but there is still some time.
“They have sold 10 per cent of their TV rights for €207m. Then they increased that share to 25% which I think gives them some €350m more.
“That would be €500m and I think they have another, third lever that of around €200m. With that and if they manage to get some players to leave, this explains the possibility of these signings.
“They have been able to sell assets, which was something they needed to do, and to reduce salaries – that’s what allows them to sign.”
