Barça has intensified negotiations to renew Frenkie de Jong. After several months of speculation, Joan Laporta recently assured the media that the agreement is closer than ever. In this regard, De Jong's renewal is considered a priority within the team's sports planning.
Laporta made it clear that the talks are advanced and that the club trusts it will close the deal soon. The words of the blaugrana president have created an optimistic atmosphere among the board, who see the Dutchman's continuity as an essential step to consolidate the project. Everything indicates that only a few details remain to be finalized for De Jong to sign a new contract.
From indifference to commitment with the Flick effect
The situation with Frenkie de Jong has changed radically in recent months. At the beginning of the season, the midfielder wasn't even willing to respond to the club's renewal proposals. His relationship with the sports management was distant, and there were doubts about his long-term commitment.
However, the arrival of German coach Hansi Flick has been a total turning point. Flick not only gave him a leading role, but also made him an undisputed starter and a key piece in his tactical scheme. That trust placed by the coach has completely transformed De Jong's attitude, who now feels valued and essential in the new project.
Urgency to close the deal
Barça has a strong reason to speed up Frenkie de Jong's renewal: the Dutchman's contract ends in 2026. In contractual terms, this represents a significant risk, since it would allow the player to negotiate freely with other teams starting in January next year.
The blaugrana entity wants to avoid at all costs a situation it has already experienced with other footballers. That's why closing the renewal before the start of the next campaign has become a race against the clock. The board is clear about it, Frenkie is untouchable.
A key renewal to register Nico Williams
But De Jong's renewal is not only important from a sporting perspective. It also plays a key role in the financial area. Barça is very close to closing the signing of Nico Williams, but it still needs salary cap space to register him in La Liga.
This is where Frenkie's contract extension comes into play, as it would allow his salary to be spread over more years. This financial maneuver would be an ideal solution to improve financial Fair Play without the need for major sales. Frenkie de Jong, who wants to stay, would be willing to redistribute his salary in a longer contract, thus easing the burden on the wage bill.