The name that has popped up in every transfer window, like that one friend who never RSVPs but never fails to drag themselves to the party, Frenkie de Jong. The Dutch maestro is once again making headlines this summer after Chelsea were reportedly one of the clubs to be approached by them for a potential deal. The 27-year-old could finally move to the Premier League with less than 18 months to go on his Barcelona contract and limited game time under Hansi Flick.
But is this ‘will he, won’t he’ saga to end at Stamford Bridge or will it go to yet another series of events?
De Jong’s Barcelona Struggles: Benched but Priceless?
Frenkie de Jong joined Barça in 2019 with expectations of becoming the next big thing at Camp Nou. Fast forward to 2024, the midfielder scraps for playing time behind the kids like Pedri, Gavi and Fermin Lopez. Throw an early season ankle injury into the mix, and you have an only four La Liga starts since returning player.
Now, Barcelona find themselves in a dilemma. Should De Jong stay, or should he be sold while he is still valuable?
Chelsea’s Midfield Puzzle: Is De Jong the Missing Piece?
The fact is Chelsea’s midfield these days has been that of assembling IKEA furniture without instructions: lots of stuff but not quite right. The addition of De Jong would add balance, creativity and experience with his experience. Frenkie could be the calm head in all the chaos, given that Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo are already in the squad.
The big question, here is whether or not Chelsea will shell out, or if it will be another Premier League rich kid who does it first?
The Premier League Awaits: his Ultimate Test?
People have also mentioned decades (in football years, at least) in connection with a Premier League move for De Jong. It has been Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City, in other words, almost every club with an impressive trophy cabinet, in the conversation. The time is right now, with his Barcelona chapter drawing to a close.
Either it will unlock his potential to a Premier League intensity and physicality, or it will become another La Liga export that would have squandered the opportunity with Stoke’s rainy Tuesday nights.
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