Arne Slot asks Liverpool to sign Barcelona star who has become headache to Joan Laporta and Deco in January transfer window: Reports
Arne Slot wants Liverpool to sign Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong, according to El Nacional. The Dutch midfielder's high wages have become a problem for the Catalans of late and they are ready to let him go.
The LaLiga giants reportedly paid Ajax €75m for the player, who arrived at Camp Nou in 2019 as one of the best in the world. Sadly, his performances have dropped of late and the 27-year-old is no longer a first-team regular under Hansi Flick.
De Jong's contract with Barcelona expires in 2026 and he hasn't signed a new deal. He is reportedly the highest-paid footballer at Camp Nou, alongside Robert Lewandowski, and the Catalans are looking to remove his salary from their wage bill.
However, the LaLiga giants are determined not to lose him for free and will consider an offer for the player in 2025. Liverpool are paying close attention to the developments, with midfield reinforcements still on their agenda.
De Jong's recent performances have prompted the likes of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Bayern Munich and Manchester City to end their interest in the player. However, Slot reportedly believes he can get his countryman back firing on all cylinders and has asked the Reds to get him in January.
The Merseyside club, however, won't break the bank for the player and are only willing to offer €50m for his services. Barcelona sporting manager Deco and club president Joan Laporta are aware that De Jong may no longer fetch a hefty transfer fee. As such, they could be tempted to accept Liverpool's offer, should it arrive on the table.
Are Barcelona eyeing a Liverpool defender?
Recent reports from CaughtOffside (via Football Espana) have suggested that Barcelona are prioritizing a move for Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold in 2025. The English right-back will enter the final six months of his contract with the Reds in January and hasn't signed a new deal yet.
The Merseyside club reportedly remain keen to tie him down to a new deal, but their efforts have failed to bear fruit so far. Real Madrid are said to be hot on his heels and are planning a Bosman move in the summer.
However, it is now being reported that the Catalans are also in the race. With Jules Kounde struggling in recent games, Barcelona are planning to rope in Alexander-Arnold to address the situation. However, Liverpool are unlikely to give up without a fight, given that the 26-year-old remains a key figure under Arne Slot at Anfield.