Report: Nike played key role in De Jong joining Barca over PSG

Frenkie de Jong's decision to join Barcelona over Paris Saint-Germain reportedly came with some help from Nike.

The subject of a transfer tug of war between Barcelona, PSG, and Manchester City, De Jong eventually opted for a €75-million move to the Catalan capital after Nike allegedly agreed to subsidize the Dutchman's lucrative wages, sources told ESPN FC's Moises Llorens.

De Jong will join Barcelona in the summer on the heels of a breakthrough season that has seen the deft dribbling star-in-the-making play a principal role in Ajax's stunning Champions League quarterfinal run.

PSG were understood to be the favorites to sign De Jong before representatives from Barcelona - which included president Josep Maria Bartomeu and sporting director Eric Abidal - reportedly traveled to Amsterdam to make a late play for the player.

Nike, which sponsors both Barcelona and the 21-year-old midfielder, currently has a €105-million-a-year agreement with the club - plus a bonus that can reach up to €160 million annually - that extends through 2028.