The transfer market has already closed for Barça, but in the offices they know that there are still important tasks to solve. Beyond the signings made this summer, the priority now is to secure the continuity of two key pieces in the squad: Eric García and De Jong.
Both footballers have proved to be essential in Flick's system and the board considers it essential to lock them down to guarantee the project's stability. However, while one of the cases seems well on track, the other is starting to cause concern for Joan Laporta.
Eric García, renewal well on track
In Eric García's case, everything indicates that the renewal is close to being finalized. The Catalan defender has already regained prominence this season with Flick, who uses him both in the center of defense and at right back. That versatility has made him an indispensable piece for the German coach.
The club and the player keep total harmony and the agreement could be closed in a few weeks. The intention is to extend his contract until 2030, reinforcing the commitment to a footballer who has gone from being considered transferable to consolidating himself as one of the leaders in the locker room.
Frenkie de Jong, a more complex case
Frenkie de Jong's situation is different. The Dutchman finishes his contract in 2026, that is, in just one year, his renewal still hasn't happened. Although the player himself insists that there won't be problems reaching an agreement, the truth is that talks aren't moving forward.
De Jong is an essential piece in midfield alongside Pedri, but the lack of progress in negotiations makes a complicated scenario seem likely. The club remembers that in the past Frenkie's contract situation already caused uncertainty and they don't want to go through another exhausting process.
Laporta sets an ultimatum
Joan Laporta's main concern is that time is working against them. If de Jong reaches January 2026 without having renewed, he will be able to negotiate freely with any club and leave for free at the end of the season. That possibility would be disastrous both in sporting and financial terms for Barça.
That's why, according to El Nacional, the president has reportedly been blunt with the player: either he renews before January or an exit will be sought in the winter market. Now, the ball is in Frenkie's court, and he will have to decide whether to extend his link with Barça or put an end to his time there.