Bayern Munich Will Launch Bid To Sign Frenkie De Jong From FC Barcelona

Frenkie de Jong was previously heralded as “untouchable” at FC Barcelona, finding himself in a select group with former captain Lionel Messi and Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

But since then, youngsters such as Nico Gonzalez, Pedri and Gavi have emerged for Xavi Hernandez’s side and the Dutchman’s form has dipped considerably.

Questioned on this, following his latest poor showing against Athletic Club in Bilbao in a last 16 Spanish Supercup clash on Wednesday, the coach has backed his charge and demanded that he steps up.

“He has to be an important player, and he will be. He just came back from calf problems,” pointed out the coach Xavi.

Like his predecessor Josep Bartomeu, president Joan Laporta has always insisted that De Jong’s sale is non-negotiable, but it has never been doubted that other options which have become available in his area of the pitch and the debts of the club exceeding $1bn might force their hand.

With all these factors in mind, Bayern Munich are currently ready to launch their bid for the 24-year-old, who cost $96.5mn from Ajax in 2019 following a breakout season in the Champions League where he was voted that season’s best midfielder.

This has been reported by MARCA in Spain, who say that the Bavarians have already contacted the number 21’s camp to let them know of the Bundesliga giants’ to acquire the Netherlands international.

Rather than wait around until the summer, however, they wish to land De Jong this instance before the transfer window closes on January 31 no matter the cost while Barca have also registered interested in Bayern’s defender Niklas Sule.

Furthermore, Barca could do with the salary cap space to try and land Erling Haaland in the summer from Borussia Dortmund. With De Jong off the books, they could offer the Norwegian similar take home pay while also using the funds from the potential sale as rumors swirl there is a $85mn release clause for the striker that will be activated in the summer.

Elsewhere, other suitors that would welcome De Jong are Manchester City and Paris Saint Germain, who Barca beat to his signature almost three years ago.