Frenkie de Jong, the Dutch midfielder, recently opened up about the intense pressure he faced to leave Barcelona amid financial struggles, revealing, “There was a moment when there were people at Barça who wanted to sell me to get some cash.”
The 28-year-old addressed the speculation surrounding his future, emphasizing his unwavering desire to stay with the club he joined in 2019.Navigating Speculation and False NarrativesDe Jong criticized media outlets for spreading unverified reports about his salary, stating that exaggerated figures had unfairly shaped public perception.
“I’m not going to tell you how much I earn, but the figures that have circulated are exaggerated. That’s not the reality at all,” he clarified. He stressed that false narratives often stemmed from internal club politics, with some factions pushing for his sale to alleviate financial pressures.
Commitment to BarcelonaDespite persistent transfer links—including interest from Manchester United and Saudi Arabia—De Jong remained steadfast, trusting Hansi Flick’s vision and his role in the team.
His patience was rewarded on October 15, 2025, when he signed a new contract extending his stay until 2029. “I’ve always wanted to be at Barça,” he said, highlighting his alignment with the club’s project and family life in Catalonia.A Lesson in Loyalty and Media ResponsibilityDe Jong called out media irresponsibility, urging verification of facts over sensationalism.
“If they publish figures that aren’t true, I think they’re wrong,” he asserted. His stance underscores a broader message: loyalty, when backed by performance, can silence noise. Now a key player under Flick, De Jong’s extension cements Barcelona’s faith in his pivotal midfield role.
