FC Barcelona announced the signing of Frenkie de Jong in January 2019, considering him one of the greatest promises in European soccer. Although his arrival took place in the summer of that same year, expectations were extremely high. He became one of the club's most expensive transfers, with a deal of 75 million euros fixed plus 11 in variables.
Ronald Koeman, his main supporter on the Barça bench, saw him as the midfielder who would lead the blaugrana midfield for many years. However, his performance has been marked by inconsistency and injuries. In five years, the Dutchman has gone through multiple physical problems that have limited his continuity in the team.
Doubts About His Continuity
Frenkie de Jong's constant absences have caused doubts within the club and among the fans. His high salary, the second highest in the squad after Robert Lewandowski, made him a topic of debate. His initial resistance to renewing his contract further complicated the situation.
Barça, with economic problems, couldn't afford to lose him for free in 2026. For months, the board, led by Deco, tried to negotiate an agreement, but the player rejected several proposals for considering them low. The possibility of a transfer began to gain strength, but in recent weeks everything changed.
The Conditions of the New Contract
The arrival of Hansi Flick has been decisive in Frenkie de Jong's situation. The German coach has restored his prominence and confidence within the team. With his physical recovery, he has once again become a key player in Barça's scheme.
This new status has led the board to rethink its strategy. Deco has resumed negotiations, but this time with an improved offer. The club's intention is to solve the issue as soon as possible, without letting it extend beyond this season.
Another key point has been the release clause. Originally set at 400 million euros, the club has agreed to lower it to 80 million, similar to what happened with Ronald Araújo. This facilitates a possible exit in the future, preventing the player from leaving for free when his contract ends.
Although the exact duration of the new contract has not yet been announced, it is speculated that the contract will extend until 2029. With this, Barça ensures the continuity of an important player and puts an end to a long process of uncertainty about his future.
The Future of Frenkie de Jong at Barça
Everything indicates that the Dutch midfielder will sign his renewal in the coming days. After months of speculation, his stay seems assured under the new scheme proposed by the club.
With this decision, Barça retains a player who, when in full form, is an essential piece in the team. Hansi Flick's bet on him has been key, and the board has managed to adapt to the situation to prevent his departure.
Frenkie de Jong's renewal is good news for FC Barcelona, which manages to retain a quality midfielder without further compromising its finances. Now, the player's challenge will be to show that he can maintain the highest level and respond to the trust the club has placed in him.