The relationship between Frenkie de Jong and FC Barcelona is experiencing one of its most tense moments since he arrived at Camp Nou in 2019. The Dutch midfielder, a key piece in Flick's plans, is at the center of a conflict that mixes sporting and financial issues. According to reports, the club's latest decision has left him completely stunned.
Barça has been working for months on his contract renewal, but negotiations have stalled. Joan Laporta and Deco believe that his current contract is unsustainable for the club's finances. They have told the footballer that there's no room to continue under the same conditions.
A contract out of the market
De Jong once signed a deal with figures that soared due to salary deferrals during the pandemic. He currently earns more than €20 million gross, making him one of the highest-paid players in the squad. For Barça, which is still fighting to return to the 1:1 rule, that salary is a burden.
The board believes it's essential to reduce the wage bill if it wants to register recent signings and approach the winter transfer window with confidence. In that context, De Jong has become the top priority. The club's message is clear: he must accept a pay cut with a contract extension, or the door will be opened to a sale.
The footballer himself, according to sources close to him, didn't expect such a firm stance. Frenkie trusted that the club would value his loyalty in recent years, when he rejected lucrative offers from the Premier League to stay in Barcelona.
The ultimatum that changes the board
Barça has set a deadline for the negotiation. The proposal states that the renewal must be finalized before the end of the season. If not, transfers will be explored in the summer of 2026 to prevent the player from leaving for free.
This situation has caused surprise in the locker room, especially because De Jong is a reference both on the field and in daily life. Players like Pedri and Araújo consider him an essential piece in midfield. However, the club insists that the financial aspect allows for no exceptions.
Meanwhile, De Jong is said to have confessed to his inner circle that he didn't expect such a tough ultimatum. He always thought Barça would prioritize his continuity without conditions. That shift has had a clear emotional impact.
Flick's vision
Hansi Flick keeps absolute trust in the Dutchman. The coach believes that his control and balance on the field are irreplaceable. During preseason, he was one of the most used players, and his leadership on the field remains unquestionable.
But Flick also knows that the decision doesn't depend solely on sporting matters. Laporta and Deco are handling the situation with a broader perspective: keeping the club's finances afloat. No matter how much they want to secure De Jong, they won't be able to do so without adjusting the current figures.
The German coach has called for calm, convinced that there's still room to find a middle ground. Although he privately admits that if there's no agreement, the club will be forced to sell him.
Barça has already received calls from clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich. All of them would be willing to take advantage of any crack in the relationship between Frenkie and the board. It can't be ruled out that formal offers will arrive in the coming months.
De Jong is clear: he wants to stay at Barça. His confession reflects the surprise caused by the club's ultimatum: "I didn't expect it..." The ball is in his court and the midfielder's future hangs by a thread.