Barcelona have just completed the signing of Frenkie de Jong, the Dutch midfielder who was being tracked by the majority of Europe's elite.
The total value of his transfer could rise to 86 million euros dependent on the completion of certain clauses within his contract during his time at the club.
Convincing him to join was certainly no mean feat, especially with the financial powers of PSG, who were also interested in his signature.
It was very complicated to finalise the deal and it required Barcelona president, Josep Maria Bartomeu to travel to Amsterdam twice in a week in order to take matters into his own hands and complete the move.
Barcelona were keen to wrap the transfer up as quickly as possible and wasted no time in doing so in order to prevent him from being snatched from under their noses by another European giant.
The size of the transfer is huge on all levels. On a sporting level, the Catalans had to do a lot of convincing to ensure that the up and coming starlet agreed to sign for them, especially given that the club is already more than well stocked in the midfield department.
"I know that it will be difficult to break into the first team, but the club have said all of the right things and have made it clear that I will get my chance," de Jong said in an interview with Voetball.
Meanwhile, regarding the financials of the deal, Barcelona were forced to up their offer in order to keep PSG's interest at bay, who were seemingly willing to offer the young Dutchman a blank cheque.
The fact that De Jong will be arriving on the salary of a first-teamer could bring about some significant changes in the squad.
The first name that comes to mind is that of Ivan Rakitic, who turns 31 in March.
He will soon be looking to sign his last substantial professional contract before thinking about hanging up his boots.
Ernesto Valverde prevented him from joining PSG towards the end of the last summer transfer window and it looks like the arrival of De Jong, on top of the fact that Jordi Alba's current deal runs out in 2020, means that he has less bargaining power to ask for an improved contract at the club.
Therefore, a move away from the club seems plausible for the Croat and necessary for CEO Oscar Grau if he is to balance the books.
His future would be thrown even further in doubt should Barcelona sign Adrien Rabiot in the coming months.
Rakitic is currently one of Valverde's first names on the team-sheet and also most trusted players having only played fewer minutes this season than Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba.
LaCeleste
200
Ivan Rakitič has played alongside and learned from Xavi and Iniesta in his mind time at Barça. As he’s aged he’s actually only gotten better. He quietly did all the hard work for Croatia while Modrič got the Golden Ball and al the individual awards. Ivan can play in a number 6 or number 8 on both sides of the pitch and even as a playmaking #10. I thinks it’s unfair for Barcelona to offload him after all he’s done and is doing at Barça. He’s at the perfect combination of experience and hard work right now. I hope he stays at least two more years. ¡Força Barça!
dettaboss4l
123
I really don't understand some Barca fans on this app,How can you want Barca to sell Rakitic, especially because he is at his peak,You guys are so ungrateful, There are no Midfielder on Earth as complete as Rakitic, Only Pogba I'd say,Rakitic can do everything other midfielder can do and even more but still you want him to leave, I don't think you guys watch games
Emmanuel1651
102
Any Barcelona fan that Open his mouth and say Barcelona should Sell Rakitic, That Person is A the Greatest Ungrateful fans of all time. Am ashamed to be among you people in the same Comment Area. all the Barcelona Midfielders, Rakitic is the only Player that Have all the Qualities as a Midfielder. He can Play any wings in the Middle. He is the only Barcelona Midfield player that Can play Outside Bullet, He has scored Important and special goals for Barcelona more than any Barcelona Midfielders. now some fans are saying they should sell him because of D. jong. Barcelona should also Sell Suarez, because we have signed Prince. and also sell Messi because we have signed Malcom. am very disappointed at some of those fans.
Kabbnprt
52
if rakitic is sold then the board is highly ungrateful because I know that he would want to end like xavi and iniesta. abidal should be warned. all these signings are bringing sadnesss to the fans because it will throw away our cherished players. dear Jong is good but if actually he wants play for Barcelona, he should insist on turning down any other offer and wait for two more seasons in Ajax before come. but like Gomez he is desperate and this desperation sometimes doesn't pay off especially when u v no Spanish football experience and also being so young. rabiot is good and I seen him play but non of these players can offer us what rakitic is offering now. if they decide to seek him, a big club will come for him and tell Barcelona what they lost actually but I want him to stay.
PitchInvador
48
Rakitic is one of the best player and one of the top midfielder of the world right now and is at the peak of his career but BARCELONA can't offer him a better contract as they have made some big signings and they have to give an improved contract to Rakitic.So for me it's best that Barcelona cash-in on Rakitic.I know we will miss him but he will be replaced by Dejong_Arthur_Alena. Barcelona right now have two options either to let Coutinho go or this one.I would prefer Coutinho to stay. 2019-2020 Season Dejong coming off the bench.
TrajceMKD
33
Rakitic is one of the best Midfielders in the world past 4 years. Hes possesion and passing dominance are unbelievable. Just watch him and you'll open your mouth for a moment. I think Valverde can rotate Arthur and Frenkie De Jong while Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic will be starters. Arturo Vidal can play in Copa Del Rey and UCL and can be greatful substitue, while Coutinho can play in Left wing rotating with Dembele, the only problem is Valverde's brain who can't rotate Barcelona players correctly, I know that's really hard thing with that amount of players but BARCA is BARCA and Valverde must do that! Aand i like to stay Rakitic until he retires from Football. HE NEED US AND WE NEED HIM. Soo Rakitic stay till the end. Pls 😍😘👑 De Jong is really good talent but to put him in the Starting Line Up even in Barcelona, is impossible, instead Rakitic. De Jong will impress as not only for wearing no.14 Cruyff's number, he will be great Barca player abd maybe in 2020/21 he'll be one of the greatest mids. in that time ( if he stays at Barca ). Thank you for reading the comment. Like if you agree!