Frenkie de Jong's current contract with Barcelona is valid until the summer of 2026. Meanwhile, before the start of the 2025-2026 season, the Camp Nou team did not want to have any players in the squad with a contract term of less than 1 year.
In 2024, Barca sent De Jong a new proposal for an extension. However, the Dutch midfielder refused. Therefore, if he wants to stay at Camp Nou, De Jong must make an early decision. According to The Athletic, new negotiations on an extension between the two sides have begun.
De Jong's form has been unstable in the Barca squad recently. However, he continuously showed his happiness with his family when living in Catalunya. Once decided to stay, the 27-year-old star wanted to become a mainstay in Hansi Flick's squad.
In the new strategy of Flick and Barca, the team will prioritize more young stars promoted from La Masia, notably names like Pau Curbasi or Lamine Yamal. In addition, successful and very young people like Pedri or Gavi will become pillars. De Jong also wants to step into this group and he does not have much time to do that.
Last season, De Jong suffered a serious ankle injury and missed EURO 2024. This season, he has played 29 matches. From the beginning of 2025 to now, De Jong has started 10 matches and replaced young talent Marc Casado. The Dutch midfielder plays quite well but the risk of ankle injuries is always present. The most recent injury was the third time De Jong's ankle had problems. Just one more time, his Barca career may end.
This time when negotiating a new contract with Barca, De Jong must show goodwill. In recent years, he has been constantly involved in behind-the-scenes scandals, especially regarding travel and living. There have been many times when the 27-year-old star was close to leaving Camp Nou ( rumored to be at Man United). In the context of being the highest-paid star in the squad, De Jong should show that he deserves the trust of the club, no longer the story of "standing on the mountain, looking after that mountain".
Not only does De Jong need to show goodwill, he should also think carefully before making public statements. Last year, the midfielder himself criticized the Catalan media for reporting on his situation at Barcelona, ahead of the Champions League round of 16. After that, De Jong received a lot of criticism but luckily was still protected by his club teammates such as Joao Cancelo and Gavi at that time.
If he decides to continue with Barca, it is not ruled out that De Jong will have to reduce his salary. This is a necessary move because Barcelona is no longer financially available and also needs to cut out "foreign" stars who are not in the La Masia group.
De Jong has made 242 appearances for Barcelona. He won 1 La Liga title, 1 Copa del Rey in 2021 and 2 Spanish Super Cups.
