A new report from the Catalan media says Barcelona are in no rush to finalize Frenkie de Jong’s contract renewal, and there is little pressure to do so immediately. Both the club and the 28-year-old midfielder have made it clear they want to continue together beyond June 2026. De Jong remains a starter under Hansi Flick, but negotiations have stalled, at least for the moment. The main obstacle is his ongoing separation from long-time agent Ali Dursun, whose current agreement with De Jong runs until
next year. Until that is resolved, any renewal would still send a commission to Dursun, even if the player no longer wants him as his representative.
Barça are reportedly calm over the matter. The board believe De Jong’s desire to stay is genuine and they know they have the squad depth to cope if he were to leave. Young midfielders such as Gavi (21), Marc Casadó (21), and Marc Bernal (18) provide strong alternatives. Gavi offers dynamic pressing and energy, Casadó impressed last season when given a run of starts, and Bernal was already a starter at just 17 before a serious knee injury. His recovery is nearing completion.
The renewal is also tied to finances. Frenkie’s current wages are among the highest at the club, and Barça’s proposed new deal, covering this season and two more, would involve a pay cut to bring his salary in line with the club’s economic parameters.
If he accepts, it will be considered a win for both sides. If not, the club insist they will not overpay simply to avoid losing him, even on a free transfer. The view in the sporting department is that overcommitting financially would be just as damaging as letting him walk.
Sources close to the situation indicate that De Jong’s split from Dursun has been more complicated than expected, delaying an agreement that was originally hoped to be wrapped up before the summer. Pre-season reports suggested Barça wanted the deal signed by late June to help register new signings such as Joan García and Nico Williams under La Liga’s financial fair play rules. In late July, De Jong publicly reaffirmed his intention to renew, saying: “I am very happy at Barça… in the end I will renew,” with the proposed contract expected to run until 2028 and possibly include an option for an additional year.
Barça’s abundance of midfielders has reduced any sense of urgency. Internally, there is even consideration of selling or loaning players in this area to balance the squad. For now, the club are prepared to wait.
