Man Utd could finally sign long-term target wanted by Ten Hag as club given warning

Barcelona could be forced to sell key players this summer as La Liga crack down on Barcelona's wage structure.

As a result, Erik ten Hag's long-term midfield target Frenkie de Jong could become available for a cut-price should Barca fail to resolve the situation.

The Spanish side's ongoing financial issues have been no secret since their excessive spending last summer and it has now caught the attention of La Liga, according to reports in Spain.

The Catalan club splashed over €150m (£132m) on Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Joules Kounde, whilst Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie arrived for free.

Their spending spree was supposedly countered by the departure of several players from the Camp Nou.

However, a fresh report from Spain has outlined La Liga's financial sanctions, with Barcelona potentially left with no option but to sell players.

Barcelona could sell key players

Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo claim that La Liga have told Barcelona they need to reduce their wage bill by around €200m in the summer and won’t be able to use any financial levers.

The report explains that Barca's financial situation is the reason why contract extensions for Gavi and Ronald Araujo can’t be registered, despite the sale of Memphis Depay and Gerard Pique.

The La Liga giants must now look at raising income through the sale of further players, reducing salaries and sponsorship deals.

The news marks a stark change from Barcelona president Joan Laporta's comments earlier in the month. He claimed that the club needed to raise just €26m to bring in new players, and was confident of further signings at the end of the season.

With plenty of players coming towards the end of their contracts, Barca must think fast if they are to avoid a mass clear-out of players.

La Liga president Javier Tebas has warned the club that they would not be able to use any financial levers this time round, confirming that there are punishments in place should they break rules.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo at the end of last season, Tebas stated: "The levers have worked for them this season but not for the next one.

"They have to reduce salary mass, they cannot continue with more than 500 million euros. Because if not, next season we will find the 1/4 rule for them again."

The proposition of selling players may rouse the likes of Manchester United who have had a long-standing interest in Barcelona midfielder De Jong.

The Dutchman was linked with a move to Old Trafford last summer.

Ten Hag was unable to lure him to Old Trafford but, following the news of Barca's situation, the Red Devils boss may get a second chance.

Topics: Manchester United, Barcelona, Frenkie De Jong, La Liga, Premier League, Football, Transfers, Erik Ten Hag

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno