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A fresh controversy surfaced this summer surrounding Frenkie de Jong at Barcelona, and its lingering effects could reportedly see the midfielder pushed into Xabi Alonso's plans at Chelsea.
The Dutchman, who arrived with enormous expectations after starring in Ajax's remarkable run to the Champions League semifinals in 2018–19, has endured a rather turbulent career in Catalonia.
When healthy and at his best, De Jong ranks among Europe's top midfielders, and Hansi Flick has repeatedly stressed his significance to what the German coach aims to accomplish each week. Nevertheless, it's fair to acknowledge that even seven years after his €75 million ($84 million) move, De Jong has struggled to win over universal backing from Culers and the local press.
Frustration has been widespread throughout his time at the club, largely due to the enormous wages he was reportedly earning after signing in 2019. It was the kind of deal that pushed Barcelona into its precarious financial predicament, ultimately preventing them from keeping the legendary Lionel Messi in 2021.
Injuries have also plagued De Jong at the worst possible times, and his most recent setback, suffered at the World Cup, reportedly triggered a dispute between club and player over the ideal path to recovery. De Jong chose to avoid surgery and is making solid progress.
The period following his return will be pivotal for the Dutchman, with fierce competition for places and transfer speculation unlikely to fade. He may face a defining decision in the coming year.
Chelsea 'Developing' Interest in De Jong
Manchester United most notably pursued De Jong when his former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag was managing the Red Devils in 2022. De Jong later acknowledged he weighed up United's proposal before choosing to stay at Barcelona, leaving Casemiro to make the move to Old Trafford instead.
Fast forward to this past summer and Man Utd completed a midfield overhaul without De Jong in their thoughts. However, a Premier League rival may look to tempt the 29-year-old next year as they seek to strengthen their central midfield.
SPORT reports that Chelsea are monitoring De Jong's circumstances at Barcelona. The Blues lost Enzo Fernández in the final week of the summer transfer window and were unable to secure a replacement before Deadline Day.
Consequently, Xabi Alonso finds himself somewhat thin in midfield. In their 3–0 loss to Brentford before the international break, veteran Jordan Henderson partnered Valentín Barco as Moisés Caicedo and Reece James were sidelined through injury. Roméo Lavia remained an unused substitute in west London and has had persistent fitness issues throughout his time at Chelsea.
Fernández has undeniably left a significant hole at Stamford Bridge, even with Alonso having switched to a 3-4-2-1 formation that requires only two central midfielders.
De Jong's injury history may raise concerns, but his ability is beyond question. Several clubs have attempted to lure him to the Premier League in recent seasons, and it will require a serious push from Chelsea to persuade the Dutchman to leave Barcelona — unless relations deteriorate significantly before the season's end.
Dutchman Approaching Pivotal Point in Barcelona Career
SPORT indicates that De Jong remains dedicated to Barcelona, yet there's no question he has arrived at a crossroads in his time with the Blaugrana, even with his contract running until 2029.
The manner in which De Jong and the Netherlands' medical staff managed his knee injury frustrated Flick, and while the club is broadly satisfied with how the midfielder has bounced back, local media suggest underlying tensions continue to simmer.
De Jong is confident he'll reclaim his place in Flick's starting lineup, but the challenge ahead is steep following Barça's signing of Rodri in the summer. With Pedri and Gavi both fan favorites and Marc Bernal continuing to impress, the Dutchman must not only win over Flick — he also needs to convince the skeptical sections of the fanbase that he deserves a central role upon his comeback.
Flick believes the 29-year-old could return to action slightly sooner than anticipated after he resumed training during the international break. A first appearance of the season against Real Betis next weekend appears possible, arriving just in time for El Clásico on Oct. 25.