The future of Frenkie de Jong at FC Barcelona seems to be wrapped in a climate of uncertainty. Why? The Dutch midfielder, who currently doesn't appear to be the first choice for a starting position in the midfield under Hansi Flick's scheme, will see his contract expire on June 30, 2026, and prospects for his renewal don't look entirely favorable for the Catalan team.
At this point, apparently Barcelona has already made an initial offer for renewal and contract adjustment. It is worth noting that Frenkie de Jong is currently one of the best-paid players in the Barcelona squad. However, this proposal has not yet been responded to by the Dutch player's camp. This lack of response does not suggest a very encouraging scenario regarding the continuity of the Arkel native in the team.
Why is Barcelona uncertain about De Jong's renewal?
Apparently, Barcelona finds itself in a state of uncertainty regarding this matter. As reported by 'Catalunya Ràdio', the club is beginning to consider that the lack of response from Frenkie de Jong and his entourage regarding the renewal proposal from the Catalan team suggests that they might be delaying this decision to be able to leave for free in 2026.
This situation, on the other hand, would undoubtedly be the most disheartening scenario for FC Barcelona, which at the time disbursed 86 million euros to bring Frenkie de Jong from Ajax. Additionally, the Catalan team recognizes that they still have an important asset in the Dutch player, with a current market value of 60 million euros (according to 'Transfermarkt'), but if they were to consider a transfer for '21, they could demand a much higher transfer fee.
Furthermore, despite the fierce competition for a place in the starting lineup at Barcelona, it is acknowledged that, in the sports field and if injuries allow, Frenkie de Jong could be one of the best in his position globally and a key asset for both the current and future aspirations of the Catalan team.
However, to have Frenkie de Jong at Barcelona in the long term, it will be crucial to reach an appropriate contractual agreement. It should also be noted that, although the Dutch player seems comfortable in the city, the relationship with the Barcelona board might not be the best, especially after the failed attempt to transfer him to Manchester United in 2022. Therefore, negotiations may be quite delicate.