Barcelona finds itself at a decisive moment in shaping the squad for the future, and at the center of it stands Frenkie de Jong. Despite past turbulence between the club and the Dutch midfielder, De Jong’s renewal is now regarded as practically sealed. The only missing detail is a new agent to put pen to paper. What once looked like an uncertain chapter has turned into a story of mutual trust and ambition.
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De Jong and Barcelona: A Renewal Beyond Paperwork
When Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco declared their policy that no player with a 2026 contract expiry should begin the new season without renewal, one case stood out: Frenkie de Jong. The Dutchman is considered indispensable by new manager Hansi Flick, the president himself, and the club’s long-term sporting project.
Barcelona’s recent journey with De Jong has been anything but smooth. A few years ago, the club even attempted to sell him to Manchester United for €80 million. It was a period marked by mistrust, boardroom leaks, and the threat of legal disputes over his previous contract renewal. Yet, today, the picture looks entirely different.
De Jong Speaks Out
After Barcelona’s preseason game against FC Seoul, De Jong addressed his contract situation directly:
“I haven’t renewed yet, because if you hadn’t, you would have seen it already. But I’m very happy at Barça. I know the club is with me, so I’m going to renew,” he said with confidence.
These words confirm what the leadership has been hinting at—while the paperwork lingers, the renewal is already considered a done deal.
The Agent Dilemma
The final obstacle lies not in intent but in representation. De Jong recently parted ways with his long-time agent Ali Dursun, who had a strained relationship with Barcelona. At present, the midfielder is represented only by a Dutch lawyer without a FIFA license, leaving the club unsure whom to negotiate with.
Barcelona is prepared to table a contract extension with adjusted terms, including a lower salary aligned with the club’s financial strategy and the La Liga 1:1 rule. Once De Jong finalizes his choice of new representation, both parties are ready to formalize what is already mutually agreed.
A Key Player Under Flick
For Hansi Flick, De Jong is more than just another midfielder. After recovering from his ankle injury, the Dutch international seamlessly reclaimed his role in midfield, partnering with Pedri to give balance and rhythm to Barcelona’s play.
Last season alone, he featured in 46 matches (2,488 minutes), scoring twice and assisting twice. Since joining Barcelona, he has accumulated 259 appearances, with 19 goals and 23 assists—a testament to his consistency and value across multiple managerial reigns.
Flick’s decision to bench rising talent Marc Casadó to accommodate De Jong underlines just how integral the 27-year-old is to his tactical setup.
From Turmoil to Trust
Just three years ago, De Jong’s relationship with the club seemed beyond repair. Barcelona not only tried to sell him but also hinted at challenging the legality of his existing contract. Intervention by the Dutch players’ union prevented an ugly fallout, and since then, a slow but steady rebuilding of trust has taken place.
Today, with Laporta openly praising De Jong’s importance and Flick making him a pillar of his project, the once fragile relationship has transformed into a partnership of mutual respect.
De Jong’s Barcelona Seasons & Net Contributions (Goals + Assists)
| Season | Total Appearances | Goals | Assists | Net (G + A) | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–20 | 42 | 2 | 0 | 2 | ~3,226 |
| 2020–21 | 51 | 7 | 0 | 7 | ~4,494 |
| 2021–22 | 47 | 4 | 1 | 5 | ~3,530 |
| 2022–23 | 44 | 2 | 3 | 5 | ~3,361 |
| 2023–24 | 30 | 2 | 0 | 2 | ~2,513 |
| 2024–25 | 42 | 2 | 0 | 2 | ~2,316 |
| Total | 256 | 19 | 4 | 23 | ~19,440 |
With his contract officially running until June 30, 2026, and Barcelona’s “two-year rule” preventing such situations from dragging into the season, there is no longer any real doubt. Inside the club, the renewal is seen as finalized; only signatures and the presence of a licensed agent remain.
For Barcelona, securing De Jong’s future is more than just retaining a star midfielder—it is about stability, ambition, and trust restored after years of turbulence.
Read More: Barcelona’s Gavi Sends Warning: “Of Course Madrid Is Worried”
FAQs
Has De Jong officially renewed with Barcelona?
Not yet on paper, but the agreement is considered complete by both the player and the club.
Why has De Jong’s renewal been delayed?
The delay comes from his recent change of agent, leaving Barcelona without a direct representative to finalize the contract.
What’s delaying the official renewal?
The absence of a licensed agent following De Jong’s split with Ali Dursun has blocked final contract talks.
What is Barcelona’s renewal policy?
Players whose contracts expire in 2026 must renew before the new season begins—no exceptions per Deco and Laporta.
How central is De Jong under Flick?
Critical—he has reclaimed the midfield, often partnered with Pedri, and has played a leadership role across 46 matches last season.
What are De Jong’s net contributions to date at Barcelona?
Across 256 official games, he has recorded 19 goals and 4 assists—totaling 23 goal involvements with ~19,440 minutes played.
