In FC Barcelona's offices, they continue to strictly follow the sports restructuring plan that Deco and company have developed. All of this is with an eye on next season and a list of key decisions that must be solved before the start of preseason. As expected, Frenkie De Jong's case stands out on this list, since he is a footballer who not long ago seemed closer to leaving the club than to renewing his contract.
His high salary and low performance in recent seasons had raised doubts both among the board and Barça fans. However, Hansi Flick's arrival completely changed the outlook: the coach considers him essential to his playing philosophy and has restored his prominence on the field. De Jong has replied with commitment and solidity, earning the respect of the locker room and strengthening his bond with the club, but there is still something to solve: his future.
Deadline set
Although the player has made it clear that he wants to continue wearing the blaugrana jersey, Barça don't want negotiations to extend beyond June 30. Deco has been clear: if there is no renewal before that date, the Catalan club will make decisions knowing that the decision is not only a sporting one, but also a financial one. De Jong has one of the highest salaries on the squad and his continuity must be accompanied by a key salary restructuring.
For this reason, the club has offered him a new contract with more sustainable conditions: extension of years, staggered payments, and a reduction of the impact on the restricted salary cap. The Dutch midfielder is negotiating personally with Deco, without intermediaries, which shows his willingness to reach an agreement. But Barça's patience isn't infinite, and the countdown has already begun.
Key decision for the team's future
De Jong has regained his excitement at Barça: his connection with Flick and his growing importance in the team have rekindled his desire to succeed as a blaugrana. He feels that, finally, the project is heading somewhere and that he can be a central piece on the path to new titles. That motivation has been key for him to open up to renegotiating a contract that until recently seemed untouchable.
At the club, his continuity is also seen as a strategic opportunity. Securing Frenkie De Jong would allow them to close a priority front and focus on other operations, such as the departures of Lenglet and Ansu Fati, as well as signings Flick has requested. The ball is already in Frenkie's court, but Barça also makes it clear that they can't wait forever.