The season didn't start in the best way for Frenkie de Jong at Barça. The Dutch midfielder began as a substitute under Flick and received harsh criticism from the fans, who questioned his attitude on and off the field. His body language, some ambiguous statements, and performance below the desired level raised doubts about his commitment to the club.
However, as the months passed, Frenkie has made a radical turnaround in his situation. He has notably raised his level and earned an undisputed starting position in the culé midfield. The Dutchman has shown a great version, both in defensive tasks and in ball distribution, and has become one of the pillars of Flick's system.
De Jong Open to Renewal
This resurgence has also been accompanied by a change in stance regarding his future. For months, De Jong had avoided responding to the renewal proposals sent by the club. His silence worried the management, who feared losing Frenkie for free in 2026.
However, now everything indicates that the footballer is much more receptive to continuing his career in Barcelona. Now it seems that De Jong values the evolution of Flick's project positively and feels comfortable with his role in the team. This has made him, for the first time in a long time, open to sitting down to negotiate a renewal with the club.
Barça Rejects a Footballer Highly Valued by the Technical Secretariat
In this regard, as reported by "El Nacional," this has directly influenced Barça's sports planning. In anticipation of a possible departure of Frenkie, the sports management had considered several names to replace him, including Sandro Tonali.
The Newcastle player was one of the great options the club had on the table, but the conversations won't advance due to the change in the scenario with De Jong. Therefore, the Italian, who convinced Deco, will remain a 'Magpie' for many years.
The Club Wants Frenkie for the Long Term
Barça has decided to shelve those alternatives, convinced that Frenkie is the best player to lead the midfield in the coming years with Pedri. The club has gone from contemplating his departure to prioritizing his continuity, something unthinkable just a few months ago.
Therefore, Barça's intention is to renew Frenkie de Jong beyond 2026, the date when his current contract ends. The club's goal is to secure him with a new contract that guarantees his long-term stay and wards off interest from other major clubs.