Despite a lot of financial sacrifices in recent times, La liga has ordered Barcelona to make further effort and slash their wage bill by £177million in the summer offering hope to Manchester United and others in the pursuit of their star names.
LaLiga are insisting the Nou Camp club will have to make further financial sacrifices if they are to comply with league rules and that could result in high-profile players being sold.
Frenkie de Jong and Ansu Fati, who have both been linked with Manchester United, are reportedly two of those who may have to be shown the door to reduce the wage bill.
Mundo Deportivo say Barcelona will insist Netherlands midfielder De Jong isn’t for sale but their financial predicament could persuade Erik ten Hag to sanction another chase for a player he greatly admires.
United were unable to get a deal for De Jong over the line last summer, with the star not wanting to leave Barcelona after the clubs agreed a fee of £71million.
De Jong has a Barcelona contract until 2026 and will earn around £78million over the final four years of it after he agreed a restructure to help the club mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
With Barcelona under renewed pressure to reduce their wage bill, they may change their stance on selling De Jong if United or another club revive their interest
Reports earlier this week suggested United are among a number of clubs interested in young forward Ansu Fati with his agent Jorge Mendes apparently approaching potential suitors.
La Masia product Fati, 20, has struggled for game time this season and Diario Sport reported interest in a player Barcelona valued at £90million.
It has been reported that Fati earns around £200,000-a-week at Barcelona.
Other players who could be offloaded to reduce the wage bill include Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Ousmane Dembele, Sergi Roberto and Franck Kessie.
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