Barcelona fans have been filmed hurling abuse at Frenkie de Jong as the midfielder reported for training.
De Jong has of course been the subject of Manchester United’s attentions throughout the summer, with Erik ten Hag looking to sign his former Ajax protégé. The Reds are still in pursuit of the Netherlands international, despite having a fee agreed last month.
United have been left repeatedly frustrated in their attempts to land De Jong, with Barcelona president Joan Laporta insisting they want to keep the player. The midfielder has also suggested he wants to stay put, although his situation with the Catalan giants is threatening to turn toxic.
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De Jong is owed €17m over a wage deferral he agreed to in 2020 amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Barcelona though remain in a precarious financial state, and face a race against time in order to register their new signings before the start of the new season.
Their attempts to try and raise funds have seen fans turn on players in recent days. Videos showed supporters booing Martin Braithwaite as he entered the pitch in their latest pre-season friendly, with the Denmark international reportedly refusing to leave the club unless he is fully compensated for the final two years of his contract.
And fans now look to have turned on De Jong as well. A video shared by Diario Sport showed supporters hurling abuse at the midfielder as he arrived for training on Wednesday, with fans telling him "lower your salary you b****".
De Jong’s frosty reception comes as more players have agreed wage deferrals in Barcelona's latest attempt to raise more funds. In a statement, the club said: "The club's and the player's representatives have reached an agreement in principle that allows an adjustment to salaries for the current season for an amount of €122m fixed remuneration.
"Added to that is the deferral for up to three years of variable remuneration from this season, budgeted at an approximate figure of €50m. The agreement is pending ratification in the coming days."
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