Chelsea rushes after Frenkie De Jong as Barcelona hesitates

Chelsea is being cautiously linked to the arrival of Frenkie De Jong, while according to SPORT the future of the Dutchman at FC Barcelona remains uncertain. The club is monitoring the situation closely, especially as the midfielder could look for a possible move to London in the winter.

Recovery and playing minutes

The 29‑year‑old De Jong is on the road to recovery from a knee injury he sustained at the World Cup. SPORT reports that his knee is now responding as expected and that he is back on the pitch with his teammates. Nevertheless, Barcelona does not want to take any risk and he will not be given any minutes until he is one hundred percent fit.

Interest from the Premier League

In addition to Manchester City, which made an attempt last summer, another Premier club – Chelsea – is now showing above‑average interest. In the blue part of London, De Jong is seen as a possible successor to Enzo Fernández, who left this summer.

The club sees him as a potential replacement for Fernández, who played a key role in midfield. The Catalan newspaper points to doubts within Barcelona regarding the recovery and availability of De Jong.

Plans of Barcelona and alternatives

Barcelona brought in Rodri this summer and is counting on the future of the nineteen‑year‑old Marc Bernal. The club will monitor until winter how De Jong fights his way back into the team of Hansi Flick.

‘He is one of the Barcelona‑players who is paid the most in the dressing room and still represents a market value,’ said a source. ‘The coming weeks and months will become crucial.’

The club management is keeping a close eye on the developments, with the doctors continuing to monitor the progress of the knee. It is being speculated that, should the situation worsen, more top European clubs will be knocking at the door.