Barcelona have announced the signing of Frenkie de Jong from Ajax. The Dutchman will join the club on 1st July 2019 after signing for €75 million, with a further €11 million in add-ons.
Barcelona Sign Frenkie de Jong
What you’ve all been waiting for… pic.twitter.com/gDE1mujMLF
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 23, 2019
Pedigree
De Jong has long been one of the most promising talents in European football, attracting interest from top clubs around the continent. It previously looked as though he was set to join Paris Saint-Germain, while rumours constantly circulated that Bayern Munich and Tottenham Hotspur were looking at the player and preparing bids.
The youngster started his career with Willem II, but after just one year he caught the eye of Ajax, and completed a move there in 2015, being loaned back out to Willem to ensure his development continued promisingly.
After a year of appearances in the Jupiler League for Jong Ajax, he started to receive call-ups to the first team and he even appeared in the final minutes of the Europa League final against Manchester United in 2017.
His ability to play as a defensive or attacking midfielder, as well as his vision and eye for passing, make him a perfect Barcelona signing and excitement is already building as to how he will fare with the club in the 2019/20 season.
In Good Company
De Jong becomes just the latest Dutch player to don the colours of Barcelona, joining greats such as Ronald Koeman, Patrick Kluivert, Frank de Boer and the legendary Johan Cruyff.
The 21-year-old becomes the 20th Dutch player to represent the Catalan club, joining Netherlands international teammate Jasper Cillisen in the current squad. If he can have a Barcelona career even half as successful at the aforementioned legends, he’s in for a wonderful time at the Camp Nou.
The Remainder of the Season
De Jong will remain with Ajax until the end of the current campaign as they bid to steal the Eredivisie crown back off PSV Eindhoven.
PSV were the champions last season by a comfortable distance but lead the way currently by only two points. De Jong’s final task with the club will be to close that gap and win the title.
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