FOOTBALL
Frenkie de Jong and Barcelona: What’s next?
One of the biggest transfer sagas we have witnessed in the last summer transfer window is Frenkie de Jong’s potential move to Manchester United from Barcelona.
Barcelona were keen to offload the Dutch midfielder, and the Red Devils were eager to add De Jong to their roaster. But, the 25-year-old rejected the chance to reunite with his former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag at Man United and chose to remain a Barca player, much to the dismay of the Barcelona administration.
At one point, it seemed that Barcelona would do whatever it takes to get Frenkie de Jong out of the club.
It was far from a pretty sight as it appeared that the Catalonians were trying to get rid of the player to avoid paying him the €17 million they owed him in deferred wages.
Why Barca wanted to dump Frenkie
Why did Barcelona want to send Frenkie de Jong packing so desperately?
They had spent €75 million to secure his services a few years back.
What went so wrong that Barcelona have identified the Netherlands international as a write-off?
Barcelona viewed De Jong as their most lucrative saleable asset to ease up their wage bill and get more financial leeway to strengthen their squad.
It was no secret that Barcelona entered the last transfer window with severe financial constraints.
So, the Barcelona administration wanted to sell De Jong for a high price and reuse that money to bring in players who fit into their current plans better.
De Jong came to Barcelona as one of the most exciting midfield prospects in the world. While there were glimpses of his immense talent over the past few years at Camp Nou, Frenkie de Jong could not achieve consistency.
The rise of Gavi and Pedri displaced him as an automatic pick in central midfield. He did not fare well as a central defensive midfielder too.
Barcelona did not see the need for such an expensive central midfield backup.
So, they wanted to sell him to a club that was willing to pay a handsome transfer fee. But, the transfer fell apart since De Jong was adamant about staying at Barcelona.
Xavi’s experiments with Frenkie
Since De Jong is staying at the club till January at least, Barcelona manager Xavi deployed him in a new role.
We have seen the Dutchman playing as a midfield pivot, and he seemed to be enjoying the role. If De Jong can carry on his progress, he could eventually become Sergio Busquet’s replacement in the middle of the park.
Barcelona already have an excellent defensive midfielder option in Franck Kessié.
But the former AC Milan star is more of an old-school defensive midfielder. De Jong has been playing as a deep-lying playmaker like Manchester City’s Rodri or Real Madrid’s Toni Kroos. For a high press, high possession system, De Jong makes more sense as the midfielder anchor than Franck Kessié.
What does this development mean for Frenkie de Jong’s future at Barcelona?
Is it water under the bridge?
Despite the horrific treatment he got from the Barca administration, will De Jong choose to extend his stay beyond the summer of 2023, when his contract expires?
We have already seen an unbelievable comeback story under Xavi.
He persuaded Ousmane Dembélé to renew after the Frenchman’s camp and Barcelona publicly expressed their disapproval of each other.
If De Jong can reimagine himself as a regista completely, we believe Xavi will be eager to keep hold of him.
FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan! FC Goa secured a memorable 2-1 victory against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League at Fatorda Stadium. This high-stakes encounter ended Mohun Bagan’s unbeaten streak, marking a significant moment in the league.
Brison Fernandes opened the scoring for FC Goa in the 13th minute, assisted by Borja Herrera. His shot deflected off Mohun Bagan’s Tom Aldred, giving Goa an early lead. Despite pressing attacks, Mohun Bagan failed to capitalize on opportunities during the first half, keeping FC Goa ahead.
The second half saw Mohun Bagan equalize through Dimitrios Petratos’ penalty, awarded after a handball by Armando. With the match level, momentum shifted briefly in favor of Mohun Bagan. However, FC Goa struck again in the 68th minute as Brison Fernandes headed in Herrera’s precise cross, sealing the lead and eventual victory for the home side. FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan!
FC Goa’s defense stood firm during the closing stages, with Sandesh Jhingan and Odei Onaindia effectively countering Mohun Bagan’s attempts to find another equalizer. This win elevated FC Goa to third place in the league standings with 22 points from 12 matches, showcasing their strong form this season.
The match underscored FC Goa’s resilience and tactical discipline, while Mohun Bagan will aim to bounce back from this setback. Fans were treated to an exciting contest, reflecting the competitive spirit of the league.
FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant! The Indian Super League (ISL) promises an intense showdown as FC Goa faces league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant this Friday at Fatorda. With playoff positions at stake, both teams are set for a thrilling encounter.
FC Goa aims to break into the top three with a win, continuing their unbeaten six-match streak. Striker Armando Sadiku leads the Goa attack with eight goals in ten matches, while midfielders Iker Guarrotxena and Dejan Drazic add creativity. Young goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari’s three clean sheets in five matches provide defensive assurance. FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant!
Mohun Bagan, atop the league with 26 points, has relied on Jamie Maclaren’s scoring consistency and Greg Stewart’s midfield mastery. Although Stewart will miss the match due to injury, the Mariners boast six clean sheets this season, anchored by goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.
Both teams have impressive records, with Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season. The match could define playoff aspirations as Mohun Bagan aims to solidify their position, and Goa seeks to climb the rankings. Fans anticipate a tightly contested game between two strong sides showcasing Indian football’s growing quality.
The match is critical for both teams’ playoff aspirations. FC Goa looks to capitalize on their home advantage and attacking prowess, while Mohun Bagan seeks to extend their dominance at the top of the league. With FC Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season, the battle promises to be a showcase of quality football.
Fans are eagerly anticipating this high-stakes clash, which could significantly impact the league’s playoff picture. Both teams have shown resilience and skill, ensuring a thrilling contest.
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 features a highly anticipated clash between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and FC Goa at Fatorda’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday. Both teams come into this encounter in solid form, aiming to strengthen their campaigns at a crucial juncture in the season.
Mohun Bagan leads the standings with an unbeaten streak, registering seven wins and a draw in ISL 2024-25. Their defensive strength is evident, having kept six clean sheets. FC Goa, sitting fourth on the table, boasts a dynamic attacking style, with nine different players contributing goals this season.
This battle between Mohun Bagan’s resolute defense and Goa’s attacking versatility promises to be a high-stakes showdown. Goa seeks to overcome the league leaders and secure vital points to narrow the gap. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan looks to extend its dominance and consolidate its position at the top.
Key players to watch include Mohun Bagan’s defensive stalwarts and Goa’s offensive playmakers. Both sides have demonstrated their capability to adapt to challenging situations, setting the stage for a thrilling contest. With the mid-season point approaching, the match carries significant implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations.
Fans can expect an intense, action-packed game as two of the ISL’s top teams vie for supremacy. Mohun Bagan’s strategic discipline will be tested against Goa’s creative and relentless attacks. This matchup is a must-watch for football enthusiasts, showcasing the best of Indian football talent.
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