After the draw against Betis… a historic and fiery exchange deal is looming on the horizon that will ensure the final departure of Frenkie de Jong

Frenkie de Jong’s time at Barcelona appears to be coming to an end. The Dutch midfielder has struggled to fit into the coach’s plans and is no longer seen as a key player for the team. Additionally, his high salary has become a financial strain that is hard to justify given the club’s current financial struggles.

As a result, Barcelona president Joan Laporta is reportedly looking into the possibility of transferring De Jong in the upcoming winter market. According to Spanish outlet “El Nacional,” Laporta’s main goal is to sign Milan’s star forward, Rafael Leao. The Portuguese player is highly valued at Barcelona due to his style of play, which aligns well with the team’s needs.

Laporta is hoping to use his relationship with agent Jorge Mendes to include De Jong in the transfer deal, potentially reducing the financial burden needed to sign Leao. However, there are challenges to this move. One of the main concerns is whether De Jong would be open to joining Milan, as Serie A is less competitive than La Liga or the Premier League, where De Jong has other opportunities. Additionally, De Jong’s salary at Barcelona is among the highest on the team, and Milan might struggle to match that amount.

Some at Barcelona believe that De Jong’s strained relationship with the club’s fans could prompt him to seek a new challenge. His position in the starting lineup has been increasingly contested by teammates, leading to criticism from supporters.

Meanwhile, Rafael Leao continues to impress at Milan, regarded as one of the brightest forwards in Europe, thanks to his speed, dribbling, and goal-scoring abilities. Despite having a contract with Milan until 2028, Barcelona are hopeful that a deal involving De Jong and a significant financial offer could convince Milan to part with Leao.

With the January transfer window approaching, negotiations are expected to heat up. Laporta has given the green light for the deal, and the success of the transfer will depend on how all the components come together. If De Jong agrees to the move, Barcelona could strengthen their attack with Leao for the remainder of the season.