
BORUSSIA, IN CRISIS, SEEKS REINFORCEMENTS
Dortmund Could Lend a Hand to Barça with Frenkie de Jong
Published:22/01/2025 - 21:33h
Updated:23/01/2025 - 02:57h
Borussia Dortmund is looking to make a splash in the winter market with a 'top' signing. The Germans, in crisis both in the league and in the Champions League, could go for Frenkie de Jong
FC Barcelona could receive a new and unexpected offer for Frenkie de Jong in the coming days. The latest reports indicate Borussia Dortmund's interest in the Dutchman, one of the most debated substitutes in the azulgrana squad due to his high salary (19 million euros gross). In principle, Barça would be willing to part with the '21' for a figure close to 30 million euros, although a loan in which his new team assumes at least 50% of his salary could also be useful for the club's finances.
For Dortmund, the need to incorporate at least two 'top' reinforcements in January is crucial. The club dismissed coach Nuri Sahin this Wednesday after the defeat in Italy against Bologna (2-1), a result that pushed the Germans away from direct qualification spots for the Champions League knockout stage. In the Bundesliga, the team is also struggling and sits tenth with just 25 points, 20 behind leaders Bayern. Mike Tullberg will temporarily take over the bench, and Niko Kovac is the favorite to take charge of the team for the rest of the 2024-25 season.
Frenkie de Jong has improved his image in recent matches
After the 'blow' of playing just 17 minutes in the two matches of the Supercopa de España (he remained on the bench in the Clásico), Frenkie has gained confidence in the last three appearances for Barça. Against Betis, in the Cup, he was a starter and played the entire match, while in Getafe, he replaced Casadó after halftime, a change that Flick made to seek greater depth against the 'blue' defensive setup.
The coach repeated the change in the match against Benfica, where the player from Arkel came on with half an hour left after a poor performance from Marc. Although the Dutchman remains a substitute, he seems to be gradually gaining the competitive rhythm needed to fight for the pivot position. So far, De Jong has 1 goal and 1 assist in 18 matches (632 minutes). For the coaching staff, there is no doubt: the best option is to wait until summer to decide what to do with the 28-year-old player, as he could be an important piece from now until May.