Chelsea will not pay as much as Manchester United for Barça midfielder Frenkie de Jong

Barça had a meeting with Frenkie de Jong in the United States, but everything indicates that there is still a lot more to be written about the future of the Dutchman at Barça. The club knows that the midfielder wants to stay on, and it is not certain if he will accept a pay cut after postponing part of his salary due to the pandemic. De Jong has accepted the situation and understands that his tab belongs to him and that he already has shown his desire to stay at Barça when PSG offered him more. He is baffled that Barça is paying millions in transfer fees but they are trying to lower his wages.

For the time being, the two parties have deferred any decision, not least because De Jong is not keen on going to Manchester United. The Dutchman is very grateful to Ten Hag for all the efforts they are making, but he would only agree to leave if it is to Chelsea, and that poses a problem now as the London outfit will not pay as much as United for De Jong. Barça would have received 80 million euros, and they planned to use the money to pursue Bernardo Silva. If Chelsea does not step up their offer, De Jong will probably stay in Barcelona.

The Dutchman's situation at Barça is tense and can leave many open wounds if a departure is not closed. De Jong knows that Barça wants to sell him and is hurt. He was already upset at the end of last season when Xavi substituted him every week towards the end of each match, and now senses that he will likely not be a starter with the stars the club has brought.

Barça have been patient and have waited on the Chelsea and United bids for the player. Presently there is no agreement in sight, but things will likely heat up after the return from the tour of the United States. Everything is in the hands of Chelsea, who are no doubt still miffed with Barça over the Koundé affair.

It is apparent that De Jong has been disposed from the squad at Barça and is being forced to agree on an exit beneficial to him in financial and sporting terms. The Dutchman has only shown his potential in bits and pieces and his departure would not be too traumatic. The real trauma will be if he stays and does not play regularly.