Frenkie de Jong has spoken on his FC Barcelona future while on international duty with the ... [+]
FC Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has spoken on his future while on international duty with the Netherlands.
Fresh off the back of winning his first La Liga title in Catalonia, De Jong will now try and steer his country towards its maiden continental crown since Euro 1988 by scooping the Nations League.
The first hurdle is overcoming 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia, with the winner of the semi-final headed to the last dance where he could face Barca teammates Gavi and Pedri if Spain get past Italy in the other last four tie.
Though the task at hand with the Oranje is his first port of call, De Jong will naturally be asked about his club future whenever he gets in front of a microphone - especially when considering it was part of the one of the biggest soap opera sagas of last year's summer transfer window.
The Athletic reported that Barca, who continue to be faced with financial difficulties, had accepted a mid-July, €85 million ($91.5 million) offer from Manchester United for his services.
Rather than taking up the chance to play in the Premier
This was considered a bold move at the time given that De Jong was warming the bench at the expense of Gavi and Pedri and began the following season.
He gradually fought his way back into the first XI, however, and concluded the campaign as an "untouchable" in his coach's plans according to SPORT.
Asked about his intentions moving forward, then, De Jong stated that he "feels good at Barca as always".
"If all goes to plan, I will stay at Barcelona next season," he added.
"You can never say it's 100% in football but I suppose I'll be at Barcelona next year."
Whereas in 2022 De Jong was Barca's most sellable asset that was not a young prospect such as the already mentioned midfield pair and the likes of Ronald Araujo, only a monstrous proposal that president Joan Laporta cannot turn down will see him switch allegiances.
Heading into 2023/2024, Barca will look at selling outcasts such as Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres, plus Franck Kessie.
These potential sales will free up cash to bring in fresh faces, with a pivot that can partner or support De Jong badly needed given the pending departure of captain Sergio Busquets.