Barcelona are currently facing a critical situation regarding Frenkie de Jong’s future at the club.
In that regard, a report from SPORT confirms that if the Dutch midfielder does not respond to the club’s offer for a contract renewal, Barcelona will be forced to consider his departure in the upcoming summer.
De Jong has become one of the club’s most expensive players following his contract extension during the pandemic, alongside players like Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Gerard Pique, and Clement Lenglet.
His total cost to the club is estimated at around €35 million, although this figure does not represent his exact salary. The sum includes his salary, deferred payments, and amortization, which De Jong himself clarified in an interview.
To renew or not to renew
Barcelona will sell Frenkie de Jong in the summer if he does not renew. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Another key factor driving Barcelona’s decision is the length of De Jong’s current contract. Signed until 2026, the club now faces a dilemma. If he is to remain at the club beyond this season, he would need to agree to a new renewal.
However, this situation has proven difficult as De Jong has not responded to Barcelona’s offer, partly due to lingering frustration over previous pressure from the club’s former sporting director, who attempted to force a move to Manchester United.
Barcelona are now concerned that De Jong might choose to stay until 2026 and leave for free when his contract expires. To avoid this, they are prepared to offer him a transfer as early as 2025, ideally selling him to another club.
In a worst-case scenario, they would even be willing to release him for free, as part of their financial strategy to improve their balance sheet. The departure of De Jong would free up the €35 million he currently costs the club, which could provide much-needed financial relief.
This move would also benefit Barcelona’s financial fair play situation, allowing them to reinvest in strengthening the squad ahead of the next summer transfer window.