Barcelona superstar could be forced to leave club as La Liga champions face urgent need of selling player - Reports
Barcelona reportedly may look to sell Frenkie de Jong this summer, as they're in urgent need of selling a player.
According to Catalan journalist Achraf Ben Ayad, the Blaugrana are in desperate need of selling first-team players. De Jong is an option if a suitable offer is made for his services.
However, De Jong desires to remain at the Camp Nou as he did the entirety of last summer during speculation over his future. Barcelona are enduring financial issues with a need to comply with La Liga and Financial Fair Play regulations.
The financial uncertainty was eventually why Lionel Messi decided against returning to the club. They had issues throughout last summer when trying to sign players, as they put economic levers in place.
De Jong, 26, was Manchester United's top transfer target last summer, with Erik ten Hag eager to reunite with the Dutch midfielder. He previously coached him at Ajax, and the duo had success together.
The Red Devils reportedly agreed an €85 million deal for the midfielder. However, De Jong continuously stated his desire to remain with Barca and rejected a move:
"I prefer to stay with Barcelona. Barcelona is just my dream club. Also from a young age. I just said it, too. I've never regretted my choice despite the fact that I had hoped for more in terms of prizes than I've achieved so far. But I have never regretted my choice."
Yet, the financial gloom around the Camp Nou has not subsided, and there may be a new suitor for the Dutchman. Reports claim that Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich are monitoring his situation.
Bavarians boss Thomas Tuchel is an admirer of De Jong, who impressed in Barca's La Liga title triumph. He made 43 appearances across competitions, chipping in with six-goal contributions.
De Jong has three years left in his contract with the Blaugrana. Bayern are reported to be willing to offer €105 million for him this summer.
Barcelona new signing Ilkay Gundogan explains Camp Nou move
Barcelona have sealed the signing of Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan. The German midfielder will arrive in Catalonia on a free transfer once his contract with Pep Guardiola's side expires at the end of the month.
Gundogan had been at the Etihad since 2016 and has become a Cityzen legend. He has won the Champions League, five Premier League and two FA Cup titles. However, the 32-year-old has admitted that Barca were the only club he would have considered joining when leaving City (via Barca Blaugranas):
“If I was going to move, there is only one club in the world that made sense. It was Barcelona or nothing. Ever since I was a little kid, I dreamed of wearing that shirt some day."
Gundogan joins Xavi's side off a hugely impressive campaign with Guardiola's side, bagging 11 goals and seven assists in 51 games across competitions.