Barcelona have decided to sell Frenkie de Jong even if they can’t sign a replacement

According to a report published by AS, Barcelona have made the decision to sell Frenkie de Jong even if it means they cannot sign Bernardo Silva as his replacement.

His destination, though, is still up in the air. Manchester United were the overwhelming favourites for his signature for the better part of this transfer window, but will likely compete with Chelsea now.

The Blues met with the Barcelona administration yesterday to talk about several players that have been linked with a move to either side. This included Marcos Alonso, Cesar Azpilicueta, Frenkie de Jong, and possibly others like Memphis Depay and Sergino Dest.

Barça have set an asking price of €85 million on the Dutchman; United have offered to meet this tag in the form of a €65 million plus €20 million bid. Erik ten Hag wants to sign de Jong as a priority and will likely ask the Red Devils to improve their offer to sign him.

Unfortunately for United, though, Chelsea can offer Champions League football to the 25-year-old. And while de Jong is hell-bent on staying in the Catalan capital, he’d much rather move to a club competing in the UCL.

Initially, it was believed that Xavi will only let de Jong leave if Barça can bring in Bernardo. With his asking price at €90 million, though, there is little to no chance of that happening.

Carlos Soler has been linked with a move as well, with Atletico Madrid ready to compete with Barcelona for his signature.

Joan Laporta has made it clear that de Jong is not for sale, but it remains to be seen if the club is forced to offload him due to his wages.