Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong considering exit amidst club turmoil

The club, grappling with managerial changes and on-field struggles, face the prospect of parting ways with key players to navigate through the upcoming summer transfer market.

An Esport3 report by Lluis Canut suggests that De Jong, a pivotal figure in Barcelona's midfield, is disillusioned with the club's current trajectory, particularly with the impending departure of Xavi Hernandez as manager. Reports indicate that the 26-year-old midfielder, who arrived at Barcelona in 2019 from Ajax in a high-profile transfer, harbours aspirations of competing for top honours, including the Champions League, which seem distant under the current circumstances.

Despite being a cornerstone signing for Barcelona in 2019, De Jong's tenure at the club hasn't realized the lofty expectations set upon his arrival. While he has tasted success on the domestic front, clinching La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Super Cup, his European ambitions have remained unfulfilled. Barcelona's lacklustre performances in the Champions League have left De Jong pondering his future at the club.

Manchester United, among other clubs, had previously shown interest in de Jong, although a potential move failed to materialize. However, with de Jong reportedly open to departing Barcelona for a club capable of challenging for top honours, the transfer market could witness significant activity surrounding the midfielder.

For Barcelona, the prospect of losing a player of De Jong's calibre poses a significant dilemma. While his departure could potentially alleviate the financial burden of paying him just below ‚¬25m per annum, it also underscores deeper issues within the club, with other key players reportedly considering exits. Decisions made by the club's management, including sporting director Deco, could shape Barcelona's future trajectory on and off the field.

As the transfer window looms, Barcelona find themself at a crossroad, facing the challenge of retaining talent while addressing underlying issues to reignite their pursuit of glory on the European stage. Whether De Jong remains a part of Barcelona's future or seeks greener pastures elsewhere remains to be seen, but his potential departure symbolizes the broader challenges confronting the Catalan giants amidst a period of transition and uncertainty.

READ MORE: Borussia Dortmund receive injury boost ahead of clash with Freiburg