Barcelona used to live much happier days before the last few seasons. But things have clearly got worse in the summer, when their financial crisis and mind-blowing wage bill prevented them from keeping Lionel 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 proven how far they're from being title contenders.
Besides, their awful start to the Champions League, including two embarrassing defeats to Bayern Munich and Benfica, has only fueled the negative atmosphere at the club. Still, they have talent 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 negotiate for potential signings but it's also a disadvantage when another team approaches one of theirs, as it will possibly have more money to offer than Los Cules.
So, a report from Calciomercato could sound the alarm at 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.
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 midfielder has shown no signals 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.
