Frenkie de Jong's contract renewal has become one of the main concerns for FC Barcelona. The club has been trying for months to seal a new deal with the Dutch midfielder. However, the talks haven't reached a successful conclusion and the board is starting to lose patience.
De Jong's contract ends in June 2026, so time is working against Barça. Within the technical department, they know they must act before January. Starting that month, the player could freely negotiate with any other European club.
Deco, the sporting director, has set a key date: December 2025 will be the deadline to reach an agreement. If there's no renewal by then, the club will activate other scenarios with the future in mind. They can't wait indefinitely while their room for maneuver weakens.
The situation is delicate because he's one of the most valued players in the first team. Letting him leave for free would be a severe blow.
An inherited contract that hinders the agreement
Barça has made it clear that they want De Jong to stay at Camp Nou beyond 2026. He's a footballer with authority, international experience, and a style that fits perfectly with the playing philosophy. However, the main problem lies in his current salary.
The Dutchman signed his contract during Josep Maria Bartomeu's presidency. His financial terms exceed those of the rest of the squad, which makes the financial management uncomfortable. That's why the club is seeking a renewal that includes a substantial pay cut.
Those close to the footballer insist that his intention is to stay in Barcelona. He feels important within Flick's project and is happy in the city. However, that willingness hasn't translated into concrete steps toward an agreement.
This has started to generate some unease in the offices. They know they can't wait until the last minute without having guarantees of continuity.
Flick considers him untouchable in his system
Hansi Flick has been clear since his arrival. He considers De Jong an irreplaceable piece within the system. He's the only one who provides a clean ball exit, controls the tempo, and balances the lines.
The German coach has asked several times for the club to do everything possible to keep him. For him, he's key not only for what he offers on the field but also for his competitive maturity. He's a player who gives structure to the group, even in the most delicate moments.
In meetings with Deco, Flick has made his position clear. He doesn't want to lose him or look for a replacement in the short term. However, he understands that if there's no renewal, responsible decisions must be made for the collective future.
The board listens to the coach, but they also must respond to the club's financial demands. They can't keep dragging unbalanced contracts.
The clock is ticking
The club is aware that a case like Dembélé's can't be repeated. Letting one of the most expensive signings in history leave for free would be an unforgivable mistake. That's why Laporta and Deco are already considering alternatives if there are no advances before December.
As of today, all parties keep in touch and no bridges have been burned. However, the situation is no longer what it was six months ago. At Barça, there's urgency to solve the matter as soon as possible so as not to compromise planning.
If Frenkie de Jong ultimately doesn't sign the renewal, he'll be able to leave for free in June 2026. According to sources close to the club, everything points to him joining Bayern Munich, where they're already waiting for him with open arms.