For weeks, growing optimism reigned around FC Barcelona regarding Frenkie de Jong's contract renewal. Talks were progressing discreetly and at a good pace, and the sporting management took it for granted that everything would be finalized in July. However, an unexpected proposal has completely changed the scenario.
Deco, responsible for key moves in the sporting area, had been personally negotiating with the Dutch midfielder for some time. Both parties' intentions seemed clear: to continue together beyond 2026, when his current contract expires. They had even already discussed a gradual salary reduction, agreed upon amicably.
At Barça, the gesture was valued as a show of commitment from the player, at a financially delicate moment for the club. The proposed agreement included an extension of two or three seasons, and everything seemed on track. But what seemed like a sure signing has ended with an unexpected plot twist.
A solid project and the promise of a key role
Last season was decisive for Frenkie. He regained his form after a complicated injury and gained prominence under Hansi Flick's orders. The German coach trusted him as a defensive midfielder, his natural position, moving him away from the more interior role he had occupied in previous years.
That trust was reciprocated with solid and consistent performances. Frenkie once again became that player who set the tempo, who threaded passes intelligently, and who provided balance in every match. His role, although not always leading, grew as the months went by.
That's why the club had strongly backed his continuity. Flick considers him a valuable piece in its system, and Laporta had given the green light to the renewal. Even in the locker room, he is respected and valued as one of the team's technical leaders.
The fans were also beginning to reconcile with the player, after years marked by doubts and rumors. Everything seemed to fit for Frenkie to stay and sign what should have been his definitive renewal with Barça.
The offer that broke Barça's plans
However, in recent days, an unexpected move occurred. A European club, with ambition and financial capacity, entered the scene with a direct and forceful offer. It not only matched the figures Barça could offer him, but also promised a central role and a new beginning in a highly competitive league.
This proposal arrived when the agreement with Barça was not yet closed, and the player's camp decided to listen to it. Within hours, what was a nearly finalized renewal became a blocked operation. The club acknowledges that the situation changed "overnight."
The final decision has been difficult for Frenkie, but also logical from a professional point of view. He believes he needs a new challenge after several years marked by inconsistency, injuries, and constant pressure. The new project guarantees him prominence and stability both contractually and athletically.
Barça, although surprised by the outcome, won't put up obstacles. Laporta understands that they can't keep a player who isn't one hundred percent convinced. Financially, the club will value positively the income caused by his departure.
Chelsea signs Frenkie de Jong: new direction in the Premier League
Finally, Chelsea has been the team that convinced Frenkie de Jong to seek a change of scenery. The London club has offered him a long-term contract, with a salary much higher than what he would have received after his renewal at Barça. In addition, it guarantees him a key role in the midfield, in a squad undergoing a full restructuring.
The transfer will be closed at around €50 million (about $54.4 million), with performance-based add-ons that could raise the figure to €60 million (about $65.3 million). The agreement is very advanced and is expected to become official before the end of the first week of July.
Frenkie will leave Barça after six seasons of ups and downs, but with clear professional growth. He leaves having been a starter in key moments, and with the recognition of always having defended the jersey with commitment.
At Chelsea, he will seek to recover his best form. For Barça, his departure represents both financial relief and an opportunity to reorganize its midfield. Thus ends a chapter marked by expectation... and by an unexpected farewell.