In one of the more surprising reverses of recent times, the Barcelona hierarchy’s relationship with Frenkie de Jong has thawed to such an extent that a new contract is thought to be close to being agreed.
Indeed, at a recent golf tournament, president Joan Laporta appeared bullish when he espoused that; “We want Frenkie to be here for many years. For me, he’s a key player for our team. It’s (new contract) on the right track, it’s very much on the right track; I think we’ll have news soon.”
That’s quite the opposite message from about 18 months ago when the screws were really being tightened on the Dutchman in a bid to force him out of the club.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen is being treated in a not too dissimilar way at present and for almost the same reason.
Athletic Club v FC Barcelona - La Liga EA Sports Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
Thanks to the financial mismanagement of the last regime, which included providing players with salaries well above the market rate, the club have found it difficult to keep their heads above water.
Laporta has managed to keep the juggling act going, though one can only speculate just how many ‘levers’ he’s had to pull and favours he’s had to call in, in order for the Catalan giants to not only continue as a going concern, but to thrive both on and off the pitch.
Clearly, reducing the wage bill has been of the upmost seriousness over the last few years, and De Jong’s recent and apparent acquiescence to lowering his salary has seemingly accelerated any contract discussions.
His own agreement to help the club out after steadfastly refusing to do so previously would seem to tie in with De Jong’s renewed importance to Hansi Flick and the team.
RCD Espanyol de Barcelona v FC Barcelona - La Liga EA Sports Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
During 2024/25 the able midfielder had certainly recovered some of his best form, and watching him transition from defence to attack was a joy to behold at times.
Rarely wasting a pass, De Jong was the conduit through which all good things came.
Messrs. Raphinha, Lamine and Lewy may have garnered the column inches, but look back over any game last season and it’s the Dutchman who emerges as one of the most consistent performers.
With any luck, everything can be signed, sealed and delivered before the squad return to pre-season training on July 13, thereby allowing Laporta and Deco the wriggle room to get other business done.
We move!