Ajax and Dutch legend Marco van Basten has slammed Barcelona’s treatment of midfielder Frenkie de Jong, assuring fans that former teammate and footballing icon Johan Cruyff would have been ashamed by the treatment of his compatriot.
De Jong has been at the centre of a transfer saga all summer, with Barcelona seemingly keen to cash in on the midfielder or force him to reduce his current salary at the club, despite still owing him 17m from previous deferred payments.
They have even gone so far as to threaten that his previous contract was illegal, and have an agreement in place with Manchester United for his sale, only for De Jong to refuse to join the Red Devils due to their lack of Champions League football and his happiness in Spain.
Frenkie de Jong (21) of FC Barcelona during the match between FC Barcelona and Pumas UNAM corresponding to the Joan Gamper trophy at Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain. Credit: rosdemora/Alamy 2JMWPYW Barcelona,Spain.07 August,2022.
FC Barcelona v Pumas UNAM
Frenkie de Jong (21) of FC Barcelona during the match between FC Barcelona and Pumas UNAM corresponding to the Joan Gamper trophy at Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain. Credit: rosdemora/Alamy Live News (Alamy Stock Photo)
Now, speaking to ZiggoSport, Van Basten has weighed in on the saga, slamming the Blaugrana for their treatment of the Dutchman this summer.
“I think Johan Cruyff would have been ashamed to see how Barça have behaved,” the former Dutch striker said, adding, “In my opinion, Barcelona’s behavior has been far below their standards”, he added.
What next for De Jong?
As already touched on, De Jong is currently resisting a move to Manchester United, and Chelsea are also thought to be keen on the midfielder.
However, with Barcelona having been dealt a blow over Bernardo Silva, who now seems set to stay at Manchester City this summer, De Jong could get his wish of remaining at the Camp Nou after all.
