FC Barcelona could lose Frenkie de Jong to a top European rival such as Manchester City or Paris ... [+]
Top European rivals Manchester City and Paris-Saint Germain are interested in signing Frenkie de Jong from FC Barcelona, according to El Nacional.
Barca beat the two mentioned clubs to the Dutchman in 2019, which is when they agreed to pay Ajax almost $82 million for his services.
Since then, De Jong has gradually established himself as one of the best midfielders in the world with his high-level performances over the past couple of seasons not going unnoticed.
The number 21 renewed his contract until June 30, 2026 during the pandemic, and Barca would also like to tie him down beyond that date if possible as reported on by SPORT in October.
The proposed deal would involve him taking a two-year pay cut at first, and then receiving staggered payments as part of an arrangement that would tie him to the club "practically for life".
Sporting director Deco has already reached out to De Jong's agents to try and renew terms, but their camp isn't in any rush to sit down at the negotiation table.
Meanwhile El Nacional reports that City and Paris Saint-Germain would like to test Barca's resolve and snatch De Jong away from the Montjuic Stadium.
Though the player is considered essential to Xavi Hernandez's sporting project, Barca's financial problems might reportedly see them tempted to listen to offers around the $98 million mark (€90 million).
As one of the Catalans' most sellable assets, De Jong has continually faced speculation and doubts about his future.
In July 2022, Barca accepted a $92.8 million (85 million) offer from Manchester United for him according to The Athletic only for De Jong to refuse a reunion with his former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag.
This was nothing personal, with United's lack of Champions League football and a desire to succeed under Xavi cited as De Jong's main motivations to turn down the Premier
De Jong was warming the bench at the time as Gavi and Pedri were preferred by the coach. Fast forward around a year-and-a-half into the future, however, and De Jong is indispensable alongside Pedri and Ilkay Gundogan in the center of the park at the same time Gavi is out for the rest of the season with an ACL tear.