Report: Liverpool Plot Move for Barcelona Midfielder in €40m Deal | OneFootball

Liverpool Eye World-Class Midfielder as Frenkie De Jong Talks Emerge

Liverpool’s midfield overhaul in 2023 was nothing short of revolutionary. The arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, and Ryan Gravenberch reshaped the Reds’ engine room, injecting both flair and tenacity. With Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott stepping up, and veterans like Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, and James Milner making way, Jurgen Klopp’s departure in 2024 handed Arne Slot a squad brimming with potential.

Under Slot’s stewardship, Liverpool have continued to thrive, clinching an EFL Cup final spot, leading the Premier League, and securing a place in the Champions League knockout stages. However, the latest whispers from Spain suggest the Reds aren’t done yet. According to a report from El Nacional, Liverpool have initiated talks with Barcelona over a potential move for Dutch maestro Frenkie De Jong.

Frenkie De Jong: The Perfect Fit for Liverpool’s Midfield Puzzle?

El Nacional’s report reveals that Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, has already engaged in discussions with Liverpool representatives about De Jong’s availability. While the Catalan giants are reluctant to part with the midfielder, financial pressures and contract complications could force their hand.

“According to sources close to the negotiations, Deco [Barcelona’s sporting director] has already held talks with Liverpool representatives to explore the possibility of a transfer. Barca will not let De Jong go for any price and will ask for at least 40 million euros to consider his sale,” the report states.

For a player of De Jong’s calibre, €40 million (£33.3 million) seems like a bargain. The 27-year-old has consistently demonstrated his world-class abilities at both club and international levels. His versatility—capable of playing as a No8 and filling in as a No6—makes him an ideal candidate to bolster Liverpool’s midfield.

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Barcelona’s Financial Woes Open the Door

On the surface, it’s surprising that Barcelona would entertain offers for such a pivotal player. However, the reality is more complex. De Jong’s contract runs until 2026, but if an extension isn’t agreed upon, he could leave on a free transfer in just over a year. Given Barcelona’s ongoing financial struggles and the looming threat of breaching financial fair play regulations, selling De Jong this summer might be the pragmatic choice.

Liverpool have a history of capitalising on such opportunities. The potential to secure a player of De Jong’s pedigree for a relatively modest fee aligns with the club’s strategic transfer approach. Moreover, De Jong would join a growing Dutch contingent at Anfield, linking up with Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo, Virgil Van Dijk, and manager Arne Slot.

Wages and Contractual Challenges

While the transfer fee might be enticing, De Jong’s wages could pose a significant hurdle. Currently one of Barcelona’s highest earners, matching or exceeding his salary expectations would require careful financial planning from Liverpool. However, reports from Anfield Watch suggest that the club could be preparing for a summer rebuild, potentially freeing up funds to accommodate De Jong’s demands.

For now, Barcelona will focus on extending De Jong’s contract to avoid losing him for a cut-price fee or, worse, for free. But should negotiations stall, Liverpool could find themselves in pole position to make a statement signing that would solidify their midfield dominance for years to come.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

While the idea of Frenkie De Jong donning the famous red shirt is undoubtedly tantalising, it’s essential to approach this news with a degree of scepticism. For starters, Barcelona’s financial predicament has been well-documented, but would they really part ways with one of their key midfielders for just €40 million? That seems optimistic at best.

Moreover, Liverpool’s current midfield setup, under Arne Slot, appears well-balanced and effective. Players like Mac Allister and Szoboszlai have adapted seamlessly, and Gravenberch has thrived in a more prominent role. Do we really need another high-profile addition, especially one that could disrupt the existing harmony?

Let’s not forget the wage issue. De Jong’s salary demands could potentially throw Liverpool’s carefully managed wage structure into disarray. The club has always prided itself on maintaining a balanced financial approach, and meeting De Jong’s expectations might set a precedent that could cause problems down the line.

Finally, there’s the question of reliability. De Jong is undoubtedly talented, but his time at Barcelona hasn’t been without its challenges. Would he adapt quickly to the Premier League’s physical demands? And with the current squad performing so well, is there even a pressing need to gamble on such a transfer?

In summary, while the prospect of signing Frenkie De Jong is exciting on paper, the practicalities raise more questions than answers. Until there’s more concrete evidence, this feels more like speculative chatter than a done deal.