Frenkie de Jong has become one of the pillars of Barça's new sports project. With Hansi Flick's arrival on the bench, the midfielder has gained importance in the planning, being considered an essential piece for the style the German coach is seeking. It's no wonder: due to his quality, experience, and versatility, the Dutchman's presence is difficult to replace.
However, his continuity at Barça remains an open issue for the sports management. Although his role on the field seems more defined than ever, off the field everything is uncertain. The contract that ties him to the club expires in 2026, and negotiations for his renewal have been stalled for months, leading to a situation that worries the board.
Laporta issues an ultimatum
Given the lack of concrete progress, Barça's president has made a firm decision: Frenkie de Jong must renew before June 30 if he wants to stay at the club. The message has been clear and direct. Laporta doesn't want to repeat past mistakes by letting important players enter their final contract year without a defined solution.
This policy aligns with a stance already announced by the president: no player whose contract ends in less than 12 months will remain in the squad without renewing. The objective is clearly to avoid financial losses and keep both institutional and sporting stability. Although Frenkie is clear that he wants to continue as a Barça player, the board wants to solve his case to avoid tensions next season.
The pressure falls on Frenkie de Jong
The final decision is now in the Dutch midfielder's hands. Despite Deco's efforts and several positive contacts, the signing of the new contract hasn't happened yet and time is a factor working against him. If Frenkie doesn't take the step, the club could be forced to consider his departure this summer to avoid a scenario of greater uncertainty during the campaign.
In addition to the sporting impact, retaining de Jong is also a strategic issue for Barça. In a tight economic context, they can't afford to let a high-value footballer leave for free. That's why Laporta's ultimatum seeks not only to apply pressure but also to protect FC Barcelona's long-term interests.