‘Really strong’: Chelsea were prepared to pay big money to sign 25-year-old, but he rejected them – Romano
Fabrizio Romano has claimed on his YouTube channel that Chelsea offered a brilliant contract to Frenkie de Jong late in the window, before he ultimately rejected them.
The Dutchman was at the centre of one of the biggest transfer sagas in recent memory, with his own club seemingly adamant that he had to leave during the window in order to solve their financial woes.
The Catalan club were big spenders throughout the window, securing the signings of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Jules Kounde amongst others.
However, they struggled to register their new players, with the defender missing the club’s opening league match after not being registered with La Liga.
The situation caught the eye of the Blues, with them looking to capitalise on an uncertain situation by making the high-proifle addition to their midfield.
Chelsea made big bid for De Jong
Romano has claimed that the club even topped any offer made to the Dutchman, but his personal preference saw him end up remaining at Barcelona.
He said: “Chelsea were quiet on Frenkie de Jong, but in the beginning of August they entered the race in a really strong way. They were on the same level as Man United. They wanted Frenkie de Jong.
Chelsea FC v West Ham United – Premier League
Photo by Harriet Lander – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
“They tried to push, and were prepared to match the Man United proposal but they were also prepared to pay a really important salary and contract to Frenkie de Jong. Both clubs tried, but Frenkie told them he wants to stay in Barcelona.”
Manchester United had agreed a deal with Barcelona very early in the in the window, however all the signs pointed to the opinion that he would prefer a move to Stamford Bridge if he was to leave.
The ability for the Blues to offer Champions League football was a massive advantage, although it ended up not mattering as he remained a player at the Nou Camp at the end of the window.
