Frenkie De Jong: 50 million in the Premier League or the Saudi Pro

FC Barcelona has put Frenkie de Jong up for sale for €50 million plus €15 million in variables. The midfielder, highest paid of the club with €19.6 million gross per year, has not played since the World Cup due to a knee injury, and the arrival of Rodri has covered his position. The statement, under the heading Share, was published by the journalist.

The sporting board has confirmed that the offer includes both the transfer and the player’s registration, and that potential buyers with financial capacity to assume the full operation are already being approached. The club expects to close the operation in January, the date on which the sale that began in summer was left pending. The agencies involved in the negotiation are Deco and other entities.

Only the Premier League and the Saudi Pro League can pay salaries of that level without compromising the rest of the squad, according to the club’s assessment. This limitation of buyers is due to the fact that only those leagues can offer salaries of that magnitude without conditioning the rest of the squad. Barça has confirmed that only those leagues can meet the required salary.

Injury status and recovery

De Jong suffered a tear of the right knee’s medial collateral ligament during the World Cup, after playing 110 minutes against Morocco, and opted for a conservative treatment that has led to the need for a new surgical intervention. The medical services of the club have requested a surgical intervention, but recovery remains stalled and no discharge is expected.

Midfield reorganisation

With the arrival of Rodri, the pivot has been left in the hands of the Spanish player and Marc Bernal, and Hansi Flick splits the minutes between them, while the number 21 does not appear in the provisional call‑ups or in the provisional captaincy. The coach has allocated the minutes of the light start between Rodri and Bernal, maintaining the stability of the midfield. De Jong also does not appear in the list of call‑ups nor in the provisional captaincy distribution.

Other winter moves

In addition to De Jong, Deco has already outlined the possible departure of Raphinha, whose transfer to Saudi Arabia would be valued at €90 million, reflecting Barça priority in strengthening its cash reserves during the winter window. The potential buyer would be a Saudi club willing to pay the indicated amount. This operation is part of the board’s strategy to reinforce the financial situation of the club.

The medical risk posed by the injured knee makes a Premier club reluctant to pay the €50 million fixed fee, while the Saudi Pro League values the name more and is willing to assume the risk. Therefore, the Premier League shows caution regarding the signing of a fixed €50 million contract, whereas the Saudi Pro League values the player’s prestige more. The final price will ultimately depend on the condition of the knee.

Meanwhile, the official registration keeps De Jong in the first team with the number 21 shirt, a position that will be retained until Deco and Joan Laporta finalize the sale. Until then, the number 21 will remain listed in the first‑team squad, according to the official registration of the club. Deco and Joan Laporta continue the search for a buyer who accepts the proposed conditions.