Transfer News: Frenkie de Jong likely to stay at Barcelona amid Chelsea interest
The saga involving Chelsea target Frenkie de Jong and his transfer to the Premier League this summer could finally come to an end. According to Luis Rojo via Managing Barca on Twitter (h/t football.london), De Jong could be staying at Barcelona this season.
Chelsea and Manchester United were interested in signing the 25-year-old midfielder. But it looks like both will not be getting their hands on the player this summer. But that does not mean that the Blues are not interested in anyone else.
Anthony Gordon and Wesley Fofana are both on the west London club’s radar. Both the players could potentially join the club before the deadline day of September 1.
Thomas Tuchel has his plate full in the midfield department at the moment. N’Golo Kante and Jorginho are still on top of their game, while Mateo Kovacic, Conor Gallagher and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are all good options on the bench. Adding another midfielder to this overcrowded section would make less sense.
Plus given that De Jong would have cost a fortune, it would not make sense to make him sit on the bench. The Dutchman may be a world-class midfielder, but he is not Premier League proven. A coach like Tuchel would likely not risk breaking an already established partnership in the middle of the park.
Chelsea have also bought in Carney Chukwuemeka and Cesare Casadei this season. They are likely to initially play in the reserves and continue their development but could be called up whenever required. Both are gems of their previous club’s academy and could be the future of Chelsea football club.
Tuchel will be wise to bring in a centre-back and possibly a number nine. These are the departments that the club is clearly lacking in. A good amount of money has been saved in both transfer fees and wages with De Jong staying back. Such money could be used to strengthen the departments that need it most.
More Chelsea News:
- Chelsea are linked with a move for AS Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo
- Thomas Tuchel hit with FA charge following his comments on referee Anthony Taylor
- Leicester City willing to sell Wesley Fofana amid Chelsea interest
With less than a week remaining before the transfer window shuts, Tuchel will be wise to get his house in order. It is very unlikely that a first-team player will depart now, though we could potentially see a few more additions. Fans will hope that the business the club did will help them win silverware this season.