Barca consider De Jong exit in summer 2025

Top story: Barca ponder De Jong exit in 2025

Barcelona could let Frenkie de Jong leave in the summer to avoid losing the midfielder leave on a free transfer when his contract ends in 2026, reports Diario Sport.

There are debates about whether or not the 27-year-old Netherlands international has lived up to the lofty expectations placed upon him when he arrived from Ajax Amsterdam in 2019, and those are arising again now that he is returning from injury. Having been out since April, De Jong made his return off the bench during the 5-0 win over Young Boys in the UEFA Champions League and followed that up with another substitute appearance in a 3-0 LaLiga victory against Alaves.

He still won't be going away on international duty, which gives him more time to get up to speed. Once he does, there will be discussions about who should start in important matches, with midfielders Marc Casadó and Pedri having impressed so far this term.

De Jong's situation is said to be "delicate" in this sense, as he has always been seen as an indisputable presence in the team whenever fit. Questions to be answered will include whether he is compatible with Pedri and Dani Olmo, whether he is a better pivot than Casadó, and what his best position is to get the most out of him.

Paper gossip

- Fabrizio Romano reports that Paul Pogba and Juventus are expected to agree on a contract termination. This comes after the verdict from the Court of Arbitration for Sport decided that the 31-year-old midfielder's suspension would be reduced from four years to 18 months, making him available from March, with Pogba feeling that a fresh start will be the best solution for him and his career.

- Barcelona are planning on checking the condition of Palmeiras defender Vitor Reis, according to Ekrem Konur. Liverpool, Arsenal, Benfica and Real Madrid are also said to be monitoring the 18-year-old Brazil youth international who has made 15 first-team appearances for Palmeiras.

- Juventus are planning a move to sign Benfica left-back Alvaro Carreras, according to Ekrem Konur. The 21-year-old Spain youth international only joined the Portuguese giants permanently this summer, having spent the second half of last season in Lisbon on loan from Manchester United.

- Sevilla are following Abdel Abqar's situation at Alaves very closely, reports Matteo Moretto, with the centre-back potentially set to be available as a free agent in the summer with his contract running out.

- Manchester City have set aside £80 million for the January transfer window, writes Football Insider, with the reigning Premier League champions still having funds available from Julián Álvarez's summer move to Atletico Madrid. Focus will be on their midfield due to Rodri's season-ending injury, although their favoured option is to look within the squad for a replacement.