Barcelonaused to live much happier days beforethe last few seasons. But things have clearly got worse in the summer, when their financial crisis and mind-blowing wage bill prevented them from keepingLionel Messi.
And their weak start to the 2021-22 season hasn’t been helpful whatsoever. El Blaugrana dropped points early in La Liga, losing to Atletico and Real Madrid, something that may have provenhow far they’re from beingtitle contenders.
Besides, their awful start to theChampions League, including two embarrassing defeats to Bayern Munich and Benfica,has only fueled the negative atmosphere at the club. Still, they havetalent in their squad that’s reportedly attracted interest from European heavyweights.
Koeman’s favorite and Barcelona’s most valuable player targeted by two European giants
The club’s financial situation puts it in a tough spot when it comes to negotiatefor potential signings but it’s also a disadvantage when anotherteam approaches one of theirs, as it will possibly havemore money to offer than Los Cules.
So, a report from Calciomercato could sound the alarmat Camp Nou. According to the Italian outlet, Bayern Munich and Manchester City are keeping tabs on Frenkie de Jong, valued at $99m by Transfermarkt, being Barca’s most valuable player.
Frenkie de Jong is Barcelona’s most valuable player at $99m, per Transfermarkt. (David Ramos/Getty Images)
The 24-year-old has become one of the most important players in Los Cules’ squad, especially since Ronald Koeman took over, as the fellow Dutchman sees Frenkie as a key player. And he’s right to believe so, especially seeing what Barcelona have right now.
Although the interest from the Bundesliga and Premier League champions, respectively, could be real, it looks unlikely de Jong will leave Barca unless he suddenly changes his mind. He is under contract until 2026 and the club has no intentions of selling him.
And the midfielderhasshown nosignals of wanting out either. So, if Bayern and City really want to land de Jong, they might need to work hard and splash the cash, regardless of Barcelona’s financial and identity crisis.
