FC Barcelona sporting director Eric Abidal admits club are waiting on Frenkie De Jong decision over transfer
The club are competing with PSG to sign the highly-rated Ajax midfielder
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.FC Barcelona sporting director Eric Abidal has admitted that they are waiting on a decision from Frenkie De Jong as they go head-to-head with Paris Saint-Germain for the Dutchman's signature.
The Ajax wonderkid has been pursued by the biggest clubs in Europe as they look to secure one of the most talented young players around, with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola confessing last week that they had probably been priced out of a move for the player.
Discussing the issue, Guardiola refused to speak specifically about City’s pursuit of De Jong, but said: “If you are the only one who want players it's easy. But if you want one and many, many clubs want him it's more complicated, especially if it's Madrid or Barcelona.
“Normally when you are involved with Madrid and Barcelona you are going to lose.”
But Barca themselves fear losing out to PSG. Club president Josep Bartomeu flew to Amsterdam for talks this week in an effort to convince the 21-year-old starlet to choose them over the Parisians, who are offering what Spanish reports called 'a blank cheque' on Tuesday.
Abidal, speaking at the unveiling of new signing Kevin-Prince Boateng, said: "That's a question more for the player than fo me.
"He will make his decision, we can just wait, like everyone."
De Jong will spend the rest of the season on loan at Ajax regardless, as he has committed to staying with the Amsterdam side until the summer. Teammate Matthijs De Ligt, a target for a number of top European clubs also, will do the same as the club chases down an Eredivisie title.
Barcelona are not expected to do more business this month after securing the loan signing of Boateng from Sassuolo.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments