According to Sport, Frenkie de Jong wants to stay at Barcelona, despite the fact Liverpool are willing to spend big to sign him.
What’s the story?
Well, it was a separate report from Sport which stated that Liverpool are willing to splash the cash to sign De Jong.
Now, Sport have provided an update on the man with a release clause worth €400m (£335m).
The Spanish news outlet state that De Jong has found his feet at the Camp Nou following the arrival of Xavi, and the Dutchman is happier than ever at Barcelona.
That will not be music to the ears of Liverpool, who are hopeful of bringing him to Anfield.
Barcelona paid €75m (£63m) to sign De Jong from Ajax in 2019, and he’s gone on to make 120 appearances for the Spanish giants.
Liverpool don’t need Frenkie de Jong
The Netherlands international is a fantastic footballer who would grace most teams in Europe, but Liverpool don’t need him at Anfield.
Jürgen Klopp already has plenty of central midfielders, to the point where some fans are suggesting that even Jordan Henderson – captain of Liverpool – doesn’t currently make their strongest starting XI.
The Reds lined up with Fabinho, Thiago and Curtis Jones against Leicester, and had the likes of Naby Keita, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Harvey Elliott in reserve.
Unless a few of these central midfield options leave in the summer, we can’t see how Klopp could sign De Jong and ensure he keeps everyone happy.
Perhaps a deal could be done years down the line, but for now, Liverpool must shelve their interest in the 24-year-old.
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