Premier League legend Gary Neville has advised De Jong to take legal action against Barcelona. The comments of the former Manchester United fullback comes after it became apparent that the Catalans had offered to pay just $7.2M of the $17.4M they owe him in deferred wages.
De Jong has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United this summer after Barcelona agreed an $85M fee for his transfer. However, the move has stalled in recent week with the Dutchman yet to agree personal terms with the Red Devils. Despite being the primary target of Erik ten Hag, the player is reportedly keen on staying at Camp Nou as he does not fancy leaving his dream club anytime soon.
Another reason that has kept the former Ajax star at Barca is because of deferred wages which the club owes him. Multiple reports from Spain have indicated that the player and his entourage are keen on recouping the amount before making a decision on his future. On Monday, it emerged that the Catalans have made an initial approach to settle the their arrears with the midfielder. However, the amount the club offer seemingly angered the camp of the Netherlands international as it was over $10M less than what was due him.
Per the terms of the agreement, De Jong is not entitled to the $17.4M he is owed until his contract expires, which seemingly explains why Barca are not in a rush to pay him. Nevertheless, Gary Neville has advised the player to take legal action against the club for the manner in which the issue has been handled. The former Manchester United defender captured his sentiments in a tweet, saying:
"De Jong should consider legal action v Barcelona and all players should be behind him! A club spending fortunes on new players whilst not paying the ones they have under contract their money is immoral and a breach. @FIFPRO should be all over bullying like this and stop it."
De Jong should consider legal action v Barcelona and all players should be behind him! A club spending fortunes on new players whilst not paying the ones they have under contract their full money is immoral and a breach. @FIFPRO should be all over bullying like this and stop it.
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) July 25, 2022
While it remains unclear what the next step will be for De Jong, Spanish newspaper AS claims the Dutch midfielder would be open to taking a pay cut to stay in Catalonia. De Jong's current deal expires in 2026 and both Xavi and Barca president Laporta have stated that he remains a vital member of the squad. The player could, however, be set for a makeshift role in center-back after being deployed in that position in Barcelona's last two pre-season games against Inter Miami and Real Madrid.
