Real Sociedad v FC Barcelona, Barca - La Liga EA Sports Frenkie de Jong central midfield of Barcelona and Netherlands and Robert Lewandowski centre-forward of Barcelona and Poland talk after Real Sociedad goal during the LaLiga match between Real Sociedad and FC Barcelona at Reale Arena on November 10, 2024 in San Sebastian, Spain. San Sebastian Basque country Spain PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA Copyright: xJosexBretonx originalFilename:bretonhernandez-realsoci241110_np6mO.jpg
The Liverpool squad depth has been a worry this season.
Outside the starting lineup, there is not much Arne Slot can depend on in crucial games and it has shown this season. The reds were knocked out of the FA Cup when Slot decided to rest key players. In crucial games against Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle last month, the reds missed Cody Gakpo and Trent Alexander-Arnold. The absence of these two had a major effect on the team.
When Mohamed Salah was marked out of both games, none of the attackers were able to step up. It took a cameo from Federico Chiesa to change the game at Wembley. Heading into the summer, Liverpool plan to revamp the squad with some new additions.
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In the pursuit of quality additions to boost Liverpool’s squad depth, the chase has lead them to Frenkie de Jong. Fichajes report that Liverpool and Chelsea are in the running to sign the Dutch midfielder. Since returning from injury and reintegrating himself in the lineup, de Jong has caught the eye of a lot of top European teams. With his contract running out next season, he is sure to receive a lot of offers this summer.
However there are a few things in the way of a potential move. First he has the second highest wages at Barcelona with €365,385 a week. Secondly his rumoured price tag has been set at €65-70 million. For a player who has been injury prone and missed out on a lot of games, the fee comes with some reservations. Lastly, Hansi Flick is said to be happy with recent performances and has asked for Barcelona to extend the 27-year old’s current deal.
The reds proposed a swap deal with Barcelona for de Jong involving Luis Diaz, who the Spanish side are very interested in.
De Jong would be ideal this summer
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has showed his preferences this season in his starting lineup changes. The reds boss has used Ryan Gravenberch as his first choice midfield pairing. The duo have featured in almost every game this season despite the backups on the bench.
Harvey Elliot and Curtis Jones have seen diminished playing time this season. It is rumoured that Arne Slot is not really a fan of both players, which is part of the reason why he wants to pursue a move for Frenkie De Jong. If the Barcelona star accepts a wage cut, he would be a bargain signing. But as its stands, Liverpool need to stay far away from him.
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