Barcelona may have to try and sell another member of their first team squad after facing major challenges in a bid to sell Frenkie de Jong.
According to Spanish news outlet SER, the Catalan club are considering selling German goal keeper Marc Andre Ter Stegen.
The 30-year-old was once deemed as ‘untouchable’ at Barcelona but his form took a dramatic dive in the 21/22 campaign. Also, his wages of €7 million is due an increase in the next term, meaning he is now someone that can be offloaded in order for the club to balance the books.
Ter Stegen’s current contract does not run out till 2025, and with a huge release clause of €500 million, the German could still command a big transfer fee as he is one of the best goal keepers in world football.
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This comes after Barcelona’s bid to force de Jong out of the club has so far failed to materialise.
Earlier in the month, it was reported that Barcelona and Manchester United reached an agreement on a deal worth an initial fee of £63 million plus £8.4 million in performance related add ons.
Despite the agreement between the two clubs, the transfer is far from being completed as de Jong has not declared his desire to leave Barcelona.
According to reports, de Jong is more than settled in Barcelona after buying a mansion worth €5 million with his fiancee. He is not planning on moving anyway.
Another factor holding up the deal is the fact that Barcelona still owe de Jong deferred wages worth €17 million.
It is believed that manager Xavi told the Dutchman that he has a place in his squad but he would have to take a 40% pay cut. Club president Joan Laporta has said that all members of the squad are allowed to earn more than €10 million per year.
However, other reports have said that the club have told de Jong to accept the move to Old Trafford so that Barcelona can free up space on their wage bill to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.
Last week, Xavi spoke about de Jong’s situation at the club.
He said: “I’m not here to send messages. I already spoke with Frenkie, I value him very much. He’s key player, but then there’s economic situation and Financial Fair Play.”
Xavi added: “He can give us a lot also as a centre back”
De Jong has featured in all three of Barcelona’s matches during their pre season tour of America. Coming on as a second half substitute in the games against Inter Miami, Real Madrid and Juventus.
Xavi's side will now face MLS outfit New York Red Bulls this weekend.
Topics: Barcelona, Frenkie De Jong, Marc Andre Ter Stegen, Xavi
Marcus Chan