There is ongoing debate about Frenkie de Jong’s future at Barcelona. His contractual and sporting situation leaves his potential departure open for next summer’s transfer market.
After all, the 27-year-old’s contract expires in 2026 and he has shown no inclination towards signing a renewal. Furthermore, following his return from injury this season, the Dutchman has struggled to break into Hansi Flick’s starting lineup.
Flick wants Frenkie de Jong to stay
However, according to SPORT, Flick is of the view that Barcelona must do everything possible to retain the Dutch midfielder, as he is convinced of his quality and believes he will be crucial to the team once he fully recovers from his ankle problems.
As mentioned earlier, De Jong has, for now, not taken any steps forward to renew his contract following the offer made by Barcelona, leaving the door open for a sale in 2025 as the Catalans would want to avoid losing him for free in 2026, when his deal runs out.
With Barça’s previous contract offer now considered expired, fresh negotiations need to begin. And the club are hoping that the player’s representatives will be more proactive, as otherwise, they may look to force a departure.
This is where Flick is intervening, as he views De Jong as an important asset. Back in the summer, he halted any debates regarding the midfielder’s future, as he wanted to keep him at the club. He continues to hold the same view now.
Flick understands that De Jong is a player with many qualities that make him ideal for the Blaugrana shirt. He intends to be patient with him and will give him minutes once he is fully recovered.
The German tactician further hopes that both sides can reach an agreement, thus ending the ongoing speculation surrounding the player.
What is the club thinking?
As far as Barcelona are concerned, in the sporting department, it is clear that the key goal is to avoid De Jong entering the final year of his contract without a renewal.
In fact, the club would be willing to let him leave for a low price to save on his salary, should the situation become irreversible.
Flick, though, believes that finding a player of De Jong’s profile would cost the club more, and he is satisfied with his professionalism.
At Barcelona, his renewal is considered complicated due to the high sums being discussed, but things could change. What is most important right now is for De Jong to regain his confidence and return to the form he showed when he first arrived at the club.
After that, it will be assessed whether a contract extension is possible, or if the player would be open to leaving.
*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.
