Frenkie de Jong and Marc-André Ter Stegen no longer count as vacas sagradas, or holy cows. ASH and Mundo Deportivo write that the Catalans are prepared to sell the duo in January. On the one hand, because they can generate the necessary money, which can be spent on renovating the selection. But on the other hand also because De Jong and Ter Stegen have not been able to develop into the desired leader within the selection of Barcelona.
After the 3-0 defeat of Barcelona against Bayern Munich, which means that the Catalans have to continue in the Europa League after the winter, De Jong and Ter Stegen are frequently referred to in Spain. ASH writes that real leaders have been missing from the Barcelona dressing room for some time and that it was expected that De Jong and Ter Stegen could take on this role. Furthermore, Barcelona would also not be satisfied with the performance of the two within the lines.
“But in addition to this, the lack of self-esteem that has left him unable to become one of the leaders in a team that is so in need of hierarchy. Maybe that’s because of his character,” writes ASH about De Jong, who was previously associated with Manchester City and Manchester United, among others. Barcelona thinks they can save a considerable amount of money from Ter Stegen and De Jong. According to the Spanish newspaper, this could finance the renovation of the selection, with a view to next season. “Ter Stegen and De Jong have long missed the opportunity to raise their hands.”
Incidentally, De Jong and Ter Stegen are not the only players who will be in the shop window. Sport and Mundo Deportivo talk about an imminent clean-up operation, in which space must be created for incoming transfers. Samuel Umtiti and Luuk de Jong are allowed to leave in any case. The former does not see anything in a departure on a rental basis, which makes Barcelona consider terminating his contract that runs until mid-2023. De Jong, who is hired from Sevilla, has agreed to a departure, provided that an interesting offer comes along for him.
Philippe Coutinho is considered the most complicated case. The Brazilian attacking midfielder puts a heavy burden on the budget with his salary and Brarcelona is therefore eager to discharge him, but he does not see much in a departure. Furthermore, Barcelona would also be willing to listen to offers for Óscar Mingueza, Sergiño Dest and Neto.