At FC Barcelona, planning for next season is moving forward steadily, but there is a key piece in question. This is Frenkie de Jong, whose contract ends in June 2026 and still hasn't been renewed. As the end of June approaches, uncertainty is turning into a time bomb for the blaugrana board.
Joan Laporta has been blunt: no player will enter their final contract year without a signed renewal. If the Dutchman doesn't extend his contract before June 30, his departure will be immediate. Internal pressure is mounting, and both Hansi Flick and Deco are already working on a possible scenario without De Jong.
Frenkie De Jong with Barça | @FCBarcelona
The immediate future will be decided in weeks
In recent weeks, Frenkie himself has shown a willingness to stay at the Catalan club, even parting ways with his agent. That decision has been interpreted as a positive gesture toward renewal, although it hasn't yet resulted in an official signature. The player's camp insists there is willingness, but contractual details still need to be solved.
Despite these moves, Barça doesn't trust the deadlines and is keeping the exit door open. If there is no signature before June 30, the club has already made it clear that he will be put on the market. The strategy is to protect the club's interests, preventing the player from leaving for free in 2026.
Frenkie De Jong with Barça | @FCBarcelona
Frenkie de Jong's case hasn't gone unnoticed by several continental giants. Manchester United, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain have all formally expressed interest in his contract situation. All these clubs see the Dutch midfielder as a market opportunity if he becomes a free agent in the coming weeks.
At Old Trafford, in particular, interest has remained since Ten Hag's time at Ajax. At PSG, they consider him ideal to partner with Vitinha and Zaïre-Emery. Meanwhile, Chelsea sees him as the natural replacement for Enzo Fernández if a major offer arrives for the Argentine.
Frenkie De Jong with Barça | @FCBarcelona
Barça already has an internal plan B
Although losing Frenkie would be a sporting blow, the club has been preparing for that scenario for months. In Camp Nou offices, they don't want to improvise: the natural replacement has already been identified and is in-house. The solution isn't in the market, but in the academy, where one name is gaining momentum.
Hansi Flick has already received positive reports and his coaching staff has started to closely monitor his progress. The plan is clear: if Frenkie doesn't stay, the project will continue with a natural transition within the locker room. The chosen one represents the blaugrana identity and a new generation with hunger for prominence.
Marc Bernal alongside Marc Casadó | @FCBarcelona
The player in question has been recovering from a complicated injury, but his previous level was spectacular. He is a midfielder with tactical intelligence, vision, and defensive ability who is reminiscent of Busquets. His qualities make him an essential piece for the positional style the club demands.
He also has a 100% La Masia background, which makes it easier for him to integrate into Barça's playing model. The trust in him is absolute, and both Deco and Flick have already marked him as key for the future. His name is starting to be heard more and more at the Ciutat Esportiva.
Bernal isn't leaving | @marcbernal_
Although Frenkie de Jong's future still isn't sealed, everything points to a farewell if he doesn't sign soon. While Europe's giants prepare their offers, at Barça they already know who will take his place. This is Marc Bernal, the academy gem who promises to usher in a new era in the blaugrana midfield.
