Transfer news & rumours LIVE: 'I'm very angry' - De Jong hits out at Barca exit rumours

Posted Wednesday, February 21, 2024 by Goal.com

'I'm very angry' - De Jong hits out at Barca exit rumours

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has hit out at the media over reports about his salary and a potential summer exit.

He told a press conference: “If I’m honest, I am getting quite irritated lately. I am very angry at what you (media) write or say about me. There are a lot of stories that are simply not true. I simply can’t get my head around it. Some of you write lies all the time and I don’t get how you are not ashamed about it."

La Liga further slash Barca's spending limit

Transfer news & rumours LIVE: 'I'm very angry' - De Jong hits out at Barca exit rumours

Barcelona's annual spending limit has been further reduced by €66 million ($71 million) to €204 million, as announced by La Liga.

This latest reduction adds to the previous cut of €400 million in September, underscoring the significant financial challenges facing Barcelona in regaining competitiveness in the transfer market.

They can only utilize a percentage of the savings from reduced salaries or generated from transfer fees, with the percentage contingent on the magnitude of the savings.

Failure to rectify this financial situation before the summer could present Barcelona with difficulties in registering existing players, such as Inigo Martínez and Vitor Roque, whose contracts expire in the summer, as well as in making new signings.

Bayern unlikely to activate Zirkzee's €40m release clause

Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee has a €40m release clause that Bayern Munich can activate, but the Bavarian outfit are unlikely to do so, as reported by Calciomercato.

Bayern's squad already includes a prominent striker in Harry Kane, making it improbable for them to trigger Zirkzee's release clause, which is exclusive to them.

Instead, Zirkzee's future appears to be leaning towards a move to the Premier League, with interest also coming from Napoli and AC Milan in Italy. Despite the possibility of a return to Bayern seeming unlikely, the German club stands to benefit financially, as they would receive 40% of any transfer fee if Zirkzee departs in the summer.

Fulham will sell Palhinha only at the right price

Fulham's vice-chairman, Tony Khan, has disclosed that the club is open to entertaining offers for Joao Palhinha during the upcoming summer transfer window.

The Portuguese midfielder has been the subject of transfer speculation throughout the season, particularly after a potential move to Bayern Munich fell through on the previous Deadline Day.

"He's a huge part of the core fold, and we love having him here and we want him part of the team as long as possible, we were very happy to extend his contract," said Khan to talkSPORT.

"If an offer came along and it made sense for everyone, I think that's something you have to consider with every player at the right time. We want to keep him and we have kept him. He's been staying with us and there's a lot of demand. There's now a huge market for Joao Palhinha. Now, eyes have opened."

Atalanta set price tag for Man Utd & Liverpool-target Ederson

Premier League giants Manchester United and Liverpool have expressed interest in Ederson, with Arsenal, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur also monitoring the player.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Atalanta has set a firm price of €40 million for the 24-year-old Brazilian, who has had a stellar season in Serie A, featuring 23 times and boasts of having five goals and one assist.

Martinez's commitment to Inter Milan is undeniable, agent affirms

Amidst swirling speculations about his future, Lautaro Martinez's loyalty to Inter Milan remains steadfast, insisted his agent, Alejandro Camano.

"What I can say today is that only Inter is in his mind," Camaño is quoted as saying by Diario AS.

"He has two more years on his contract. He is very committed. He is the captain."

"He's not thinking about what could happen."

The prolific Argentina international has been in sensational form this season, finding the net 23 times in just 31 appearances for Inter. His remarkable performance has garnered attention from several top European clubs, igniting rumours about a potential departure from the Serie A giants.

Liverpool eyeing move for Crystal Palace's Guehi

According to The Telegraph, Liverpool are interested in signing Crystal Palace's English defender Marc Guehi in the summer.

The Reds, though, could face competition from Manchester United who will go after the player if they get a green signal from soon-to-be-appointed sporting director Dan Ashworth.

Man Utd rekindle interest in signing Harry Kane

According to Football Transfers, Manchester United are looking to rekindle their interest in England star Harry Kane next summer after the player has been reportedly left frustrated in Munich.

The Red Devils expressed interest in the England captain during the summer of 2023 but were unable to afford Tottenham’s asking price. He eventually headed to Bayern Munich.

PSG set to offer news deals to Simons and Zaire-Emery

Paris Saint-Germain are all set to offer new long-term contracts to Xavi Simons and Warren Zaire-Emery, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Ligue 1 giants consider the two youngsters to be the faces of their future project.