Barcelona turned down €100 million offer for key midfielder, reveals Laporta

Speaking at FC Barcelona’s General Assembly earlier today, club president Joan Laporta has revealed that there was an opportunity to sell key midfielder Frenkie de Jong for a big sum in the past, but they did not act on it.

It is no secret that things have not always been rosy between De Jong and the current administration after Barça allegedly attempted to offload him during the summer transfer window last year.

Barcelona rejected €100m offer for De Jong

The Catalans were reeling with financial problems and sought the departure of the Dutchman as a possible solution to their problems.

There were concrete talks and an agreement with Manchester United about a potential transfer as well, but it was reported that De Jong dug his heels in and refused to leave, leading to him staying put.

Laporta, however, has now claimed that it was Barcelona who decided not to sell the Netherlands international even though they could have earned €100 million from his exit.

Responding to a question from one of the club members, Laporta said (h/t Fabrizio Romano): “We had the opportunity to sell Frenkie de Jong for €100 million. We didn’t want to accept the proposal in order not to lose part of our capacity as Frenkie is a key player.”

De Jong has turned things around

After having come very close to leaving the club over a year ago, De Jong is now a permanent fixture in the starting XI under Xavi when fit and available.

The 26-year-old, who has a contract with the club until 2026, has also been named one of the club captains this season.

In fact, given his importance to the team, Barcelona are already working on a new long-term contract for the Netherlands international.