Frenkie de Jong Is Once Again at the Center of Controversy. His future at FC Barcelona is one of the most talked-about topics in the offices of Camp Nou.
With a contract until 2026, the Dutch midfielder is in the midst of negotiations to extend his bond with the club. However, his request to maintain his current high salary has created tensions within the locker room and could complicate the talks.
Barça wants to ensure his continuity because he remains a key piece in Hansi Flick's scheme. Nevertheless, the club's delicate financial situation and the need to adjust its wage bill make De Jong's renewal a sensitive issue.
De Jong, Fundamental in Flick's Barça
Throughout the season, Frenkie de Jong has regained his best form. After overcoming the physical problems that hindered him last season, the midfielder has established himself as one of the most important players on the team.
Hansi Flick has placed his trust in him to lead the midfield alongside Pedri and Gündogan. His ability to break lines with the ball, his vision of the game, and his defensive prowess have made him an irreplaceable piece in the German coach's scheme.
However, this situation contrasts with his controversial contract. De Jong remains one of the highest-paid players on the team, with a salary close to 20 million euros net per season. A contract inherited from the previous board that Laporta has tried to adjust without success.
Barça's Dilemma: Keep Him or Lower His Salary
Barça's board is clear that they can't afford to continue paying the same salaries as in the past. Since Leo Messi's departure, the club has worked on reducing its wage bill to comply with Financial Fair Play.
In this context, maintaining De Jong's salary could create two problems:
- Impact on the Club's Finances. Barça needs to adjust its economy, and offering him the same salary would complicate financial planning.
- Discontent in the Locker Room. Players like Pedri, Gavi, or Ronald Araújo have recently renewed, accepting salary adjustments. If De Jong maintains his salary, other footballers might demand improvements in their contracts.
From the board, Joan Laporta and Deco want to convince De Jong to lower his salary or accept a reduced renewal. But the Dutch footballer doesn't seem willing to give in.
The Pressure from the Locker Room and the Uncertainty About His Future
Barça's locker room has not received De Jong's salary demands well. Several players have accepted cuts so the club could register them, while the Dutchman continues to demand maintaining his conditions.
Moreover, if Barça doesn't manage to renew his contract soon, the risk of losing him for free in 2026 is real. Teams like Manchester United and Bayern Munich have shown interest in signing him in the past.
Barça finds itself in a critical situation. If De Jong doesn't accept a salary reduction, they might be forced to consider his sale next summer to avoid him leaving for free in the future.
The coming weeks will be decisive. Barça will try to reach an agreement with De Jong, but the negotiation will not be easy. His continuity is key to Flick's project, but not at any cost.
If the Dutchman maintains his stance, the club will have to make a difficult decision: renew at a high cost or seek his sale before it's too late.