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Bayern Munich are reportedly not considering moving for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong in the latter stages of the summer transfer window.
The Netherlands international has been strongly linked with a Camp Nou exit during the current market, with Manchester United believed to have been chasing the midfielder since the end of May.
The Red Devils have now boosted their midfield with the arrival of Casemiro, though, and a late swoop for De Jong is seen as highly unlikely, as the club are working on a big-money move for Ajax’s Antony.
Bayern had been mentioned as potential suitors for De Jong, with the Dutchman believed to be open to the idea of making the switch to Allianz Arena.
However, according to Sport, the German champions have decided that their summer business is complete, and the club will therefore not be making a late move for the Barcelona midfielder.
The report claims that Barcelona are prepared to let De Jong stay at Camp Nou if he reduces his salary by 50%, but there have been no indications that the player is prepared to accept the terms.
Liverpool and Chelsea have also been linked with the 25-year-old, who has been involved for his Catalan side in the early stages of the 2022-23 campaign.
De Jong is still thought to be owed £17m by Barcelona in deferred wages, which has been a huge obstacle in him leaving the club in the summer market.
Due to the La Liga team’s financial problems and the issues caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, De Jong came to an agreement which would see him have the money transferred over the remainder of his deal, which has another four years left to run.
The midfielder made 46 appearances at club level during the 2021-22 campaign, and he is still regarded as a key player by Barcelona boss Xavi, but an exit this summer would have eased the club’s financial issues.
The Dutchman has played in both of Barcelona’s La Liga matches this term, including 85 minutes of the team’s 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad last time out.
Earlier this summer, when asked about the reports of interest from Man United, De Jong said that he was determined to stay at his “dream club”.
“I prefer to stay with Barcelona. Barcelona is just my dream club. Also from a young age. I just said it too. I’ve never regretted my choice although I had hoped for more in terms of prizes than I’ve achieved so far. But I have never regretted my choice,” he told ESPN.
“You are always flattered when teams show interest in you as a player,” De Jong later added. “But I think I am at the biggest club in the world at the moment and feel fine there so there is no news.”
The midfielder is now likely to remain with Barcelona until at least the January transfer window.
