Frenkie de Jong is completing a very different season compared to previous ones. When many already saw him out of the project, the Dutchman has managed to establish himself as an essential piece for Hansi Flick. His name, which a year ago was among the first on the list of possible departures, now stands as one of the pillars of the blaugrana midfield.
Nobody expected it, not even within the club. De Jong had experienced irregular seasons, marked by injuries, doubts, and a salary that limited his fit in Barça, which needed to free up salary mass. But soccer changes quickly... and so does Frenkie.
A key role after Casadó's injury
The turning point came with Marc Casadó's absence. The young Catalan midfielder was gaining prominence, but his injury left a gap in the starting line-up. Flick decided to trust De Jong, and the Dutchman did not waste the opportunity.
Since then, he has taken over the midfield. His ability to break lines, his tactical reading, and his improvement in defensive positioning have been decisive. In this Barça that seeks balance between youth and experience, Frenkie has managed to place himself at the center of the project.
But no matter how well he performs on the field, his contractual situation imposes an urgent decision. De Jong has a contract until 2026, which leaves the club facing a clear scenario: either he renews this summer or he is put up for sale. Letting him leave for free in 2026 would be an unforgivable mistake.
That's why Joan Laporta and Deco have already started to take action. According to sources close to the club, there are open contacts with his agent, Ali Dursun. The conversations are positive, but there is a significant obstacle: his salary.
The contract inherited from the Bartomeu era
When he arrived at Barça in 2019, De Jong signed one of the highest contracts in the locker room. It was the Bartomeu era, and the figures were out of the market. Since then, that salary has been a constant problem, both for balancing the accounts and for advancing in the renewals of other players.
The club can't repeat past mistakes. If Frenkie wants to stay, he will have to accept a significant salary reduction. He will be offered a long-term contract, yes, but with conditions very different from the current ones.
In sports, there is no debate. Hansi Flick has expressly requested that Frenkie continue. He sees him as the perfect balance between the youth of Gavi or Fermín and the experience needed to compete in Europe.
Flick values his versatility, his commitment, and the growth he has shown in recent months. He doesn't see him as a rotation player, but as a pillar on which to build the new Barça. And Laporta agrees with him.
The interest of other European clubs
De Jong's performance has not gone unnoticed outside of Spain. Teams like Bayern, United, and PSG have inquired about his situation. They all know that if he doesn't renew, Barça could be forced to sell, and they would be ready to offer him a higher salary.
But the player is clear about his desire: he wants to succeed at Barça. He has always said it and keeps it. Even so, he is not willing to accept any condition, which keeps some tension in the negotiations.
Here comes the surprise! When everyone thought it was over, it turns out that Frenkie de Jong is going to... stay at Barça. Yes, after so many rumors and speculations, the Dutchman has decided to continue at the club.
While the club works on strengthening positions like right-back or left-wing, there will also be room to renew strategic players. Frenkie de Jong is one of them. It won't be easy, but at Camp Nou, they believe there is room to close the deal.
The key will be in the balance: a contract that allows De Jong to feel valued and, at the same time, adapts to the new economic model. If everything goes as planned, Frenkie will continue in blaugrana... this time as an essential piece.