Skip to main content

Barcelona Progress Towards Contract Extension with Frenkie de Jong

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong

Key Takeaways:

  • Joan Laporta confirmed on RAC1 that negotiations to renew Frenkie de Jong’s contract, which ends in 2026, are advancing positively.
  • Barcelona have proposed a three-year extension on reduced terms beyond the current season, with de Jong expected to receive deferred payments from the Covid period this year.
  • All key sporting figures at Barça, including Laporta, Deco, and Flick, support de Jong’s continued role as a pivotal midfielder under the German coach.

Negotiation Developments and Current Contract Status

Joan Laporta, president of FC Barcelona, addressed the ongoing discussions surrounding the future of Frenkie de Jong during a recent interview with RAC1. De Jong, who is 28 years old, is currently contracted to the club until 2026. As that expiry date approaches, Laporta reassured the fanbase, expressing confidence that positive updates regarding a renewal are imminent.

According to information from Mundo Deportivo, talks between Barcelona and de Jong’s new agent have made significant headway. All parties are said to be aligned on the structure of a new contract, with only minor variable-related details left to finalise. The club have offered de Jong an additional three years beyond the ongoing campaign, though these new terms include lower remuneration than his current agreement. Nevertheless, this season will see higher payments for de Jong due to deferred salary commitments arising from the Covid period.

Player Commitment and Club Stance

Sources close to the situation indicate that de Jong is pleased with the club’s proposal and remains fully dedicated to Barcelona. His strong connection with the coach and his teammates is further reflected in his position as one of the team’s captains.

The collective viewpoint from within the club – encompassing Laporta, football director Deco, and head coach Hansi Flick – is that extending de Jong’s stay is a priority. Flick, in particular, considers de Jong a key player at the base of midfield when available for selection.

Contract Structure and Final Details

The almost-finalised agreement stipulates that de Jong will continue to earn his current salary for this season. The revised contract terms and salary adjustments will only take effect from 2026 onwards. The overall agreement aligns with what de Jong is currently paid for 2024-25, with the modifications commencing with the start of the three-year extension.

Negotiation Process and Leadership Remarks

The intent at Barcelona to renew de Jong’s contract has been clear for months. Negotiations were temporarily paused following the midfielder’s change of agent, with discussions resuming once de Jong introduced his new representative, Sebastien Ledure. Since then, several meetings between Deco and Ledure have narrowed any remaining differences.

Joan Laporta, without delving into specific contractual clauses, commented about de Jong in a hopeful manner on RAC1, stating: “The renewal with De Jong is being worked on. Deco has done extraordinary work. We said we didn’t want any player whose contract ends this year, but we made an exception with De Jong because he changed agents. He is motivated, he even says he sleeps well despite having recently become a father. We hope for good news soon.”

PlayerAgeCurrent Contract EndExtension OfferedSalary ChangesAgent
Frenkie de Jong2820263 additional seasons2024-25: Deferred payments; 2026 onwards: Lower salarySebastien Ledure

»