According to ESPN, Barcelona were able to sign highly rated Ajax youngster Frenkie De Jong ahead of other top clubs like Paris Saint Germain and Manchester City because of a deal they had with Nike. The Dutch international was chased by a host of clubs in Europe but Barcelona won the race for his signature.
The 21 year old signed a six year deal with the Spanish giants where he’ll earn 10 million Euros per year. Howerver, according to reports American sports wear will be paying part of those figures. The company, a sponsor of both Barca and De Jong, will pay a large amount of the midfielder’s salary, sources close to the club said.
In February, De Jong agreed a deal to join Barcelona from Ajax for €75 million and will make the move to the Camp Nou in the summer. In January, ESPN FC sources had said PSG were confident that they would beat Barca and Manchester City to his signing.
However, it soon became clear that Barca had moved into pole position after sending a delegation to Amsterdam to meet De Jong and his representatives.
The sources said Nike was not contributing to the transfer fee but investing a “very important amount of money” in wages. Executives believe the 21-year-old’s achievements during his time at Barcelona will see the return exceed the investment.
For marketing purposes, Nike has asked De Jong to use his first name rather than his surname on the back of his shirt. “I’m not sure of doing it,” De Jong said after signing.
Nike and Barcelona have maintained a close relationship since 1998. In 2016, they agreed to extend their partnership until 2028, with the club receiving €105 million per year plus a bonus that can reach up to €160 million if certain incentives are met.
Meanwhile, Barcelona are open to selling Philippe Coutinho should they receive a bid upwards of £90 million, despite the Brazil international’s desire to stay, sources have told ESPN FC.
Coutinho has been in and out of the starting lineup this season, and was even booed by his own supporters during a 3-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano. The 26-year-old has been linked with a move away and while there have been no official bids, there is interest in the midfielder.
“Barcelona do not have a firm offer from any club at this point, but some have expressed an interest in the player,” a source at the club told ESPN FC. “Key people, who are either directly or indirectly linked with various clubs have been following the situation closely.”
Manchester United and Chelsea are among the sides linked with a move for Coutinho. He is hoping to be given a longer run in the first team before the end of the campaign. In 41 matches this season, he has contributed nine goals and five assists –and he has generally struggled to live up to his price tag since his £105m move from Liverpool in January 2018.
Despite his issues on the pitch, it is understood Coutinho is considered a popular member of the team.
“He is generally a very happy player who enjoys training, but when he goes onto the pitch, something happens and it doesn’t go well,” the source added. “He has more than enough quality to be a starter and we hope he regains his confidence.”