Barcelona have been slammed for their “mafia” treatment of Frenkie de Jong, who is the subject of a fresh approach from Manchester United.
Former Ajax star Rafael van der Vaart – who was capped 109 times by the Netherlands international team – ripped into the Blaugrana’s treatment of the central midfielder this summer, while claiming that Barca’s global image has now become “really bad”.
It comes amid a protracted saga over De Jong with both United and Chelsea pursuing a transfer. Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag recently instructed his side to remain patient on a deal after holding fresh talks with the player but the Blues are believed to be becoming increasingly confident of securing his signature.
While United have an initial fee in place with the Catalan club over a transfer, which would reunite De Jong with his former Ajax boss Ten Hag, no final agreement is yet in place for a move. With negotiations over that transfer now spanning three months, Chelsea have registered an interest in gazumping the Red Devils. Blues chiefs have made contact with Barca and held discussions with De Jong's representatives and are now strong contenders to sign him from under United's noses.
Van der Vaart’s comments come amid reports that De Jong's contract situation has caused tension in Barca's dressing room while the player was insulted by a group of the Blaugrana's fans outside their training facilities on Wednesday, amid calls to lower his salary. One of the key reasons that the move has been so protracted is that De Jong is owed €17million in amortizations and back payments by Barca.
With suggestions that Barca are offering De Jong an ultimatum to reduce his salary by half or leave the club, Van der Vaart said: "You can't treat people like this. Frenkie earns too much? You sign a contract and then you fulfil the contract or leave on good terms, but not like this. This is mafia and they have to get punished."
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De Jong did not start Barca's opening La Liga match of the campaign, coming on as a substitute on the hour mark as his side were held to a frustrating scoreless draw at home by Rayo Vallecano.
Former Real Madrid and Tottenham player Van der Vaart said of the Catalan club: "Barça's name on the map has become really bad. It's a great club and everyone wants to play there. But as of now we judge it differently and I find it a disgrace when you play for them."
Van der Vaart also questioned how Barca – who have debts of over €1.1billion – could sign Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde, Frank Kessie, Andreas Christensen and Raphinha this summer. "How on earth can you buy players when you have no money," he added. "I find it a disgrace. And Laporta who keeps laughing everywhere with his big head. This man thinks he's the king. But I think he's a bit of an idiot."
