Barcelona accused of ‘blackmailing’ Frenkie de Jong after Man Utd bid | Soccer

De Jong is Erik ten Hag’s priority transfer target this summer but the midfielder has shown little interest in joining United, publicly stating he prefers to stay at Barcelona.

However, Barcelona intend to sell De Jong to balance their finances and a €85m (£71.7m) deal has been agreed with United.

Before selling De Jong, Barcelona must also settle their wage dispute with the player as they owe him around €17m (£14m) after he agreed to defer payments to improve the club’s financial situation.

And Levchenko has criticized Barcelona’s behavior during the negotiations with De Jong.

“I think a union should protect all players. Now a player is cornered and chased away by a club. It is due to an international union [FIFPro] get up,” Levchenko told ANP.

“If Barcelona continue to pay his salary, there is nothing wrong contractually either,” said Levchenko.

“Barcelona will then invoke sporting reasons, but it’s disastrous for a young player’s career. That makes it a kind of blackmail.”

Asked if he thinks De Jong should accept a pay cut to stay at Barcelona, ​​Levchenko said: “I would say ‘no’.

“Barcelona bear full responsibility. The club’s long-term politics are dramatic. It’s crazy when players have to pay for the financial mess.

“He just feels at home there and understands the culture, so I understand that he doesn’t want to leave.”

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