Barcelona contract renewal offer to €60m player expires, club is now weighing next steps | OneFootball

Frenkie de Jong’s role at FC Barcelona remains a key point of discussion as the Catalan club navigates its plans for the Dutch midfielder during a pivotal season.

With reports suggesting that Hansi Flick intends to rely heavily on De Jong in the second half of the campaign, Barcelona appears to be taking a strategic approach to securing his long-term future at the club.

A Vital Piece in Barça’s Title Chase

At 27, De Jong remains one of Barcelona’s most important players, particularly in Hansi Flick’s plans to secure silverware this season. The Dutchman is seen as pivotal to Barça’s ambitions, especially in their pursuit of La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.

Despite recent jeers from sections of the Montjuïc crowd, the coaching staff is determined to help De Jong find his best form. With key Champions League fixtures against Borussia Dortmund, Atalanta, and Benfica, as well as a crucial La Liga clash with Atlético Madrid on the horizon, De Jong’s contribution is considered indispensable.

Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Expired Contract Proposal

Off the pitch, however, Barcelona’s strategy regarding De Jong’s contract has evolved. The club had extended a renewal offer late last year, which would have added three more years to his current deal that runs until 2026.

The proposal included maintaining his current salary, despite the club’s financial challenges, as a gesture of confidence in his importance to the team.

However, according to a recent report from Mundo Deportivo, the offer was not accepted, and the club has since decided to withdraw it.

Until recently, Barcelona believed the next step was up to De Jong’s camp, expecting a response through his agent. Now, the club has moved on from that proposal and will start anew if discussions about a renewal resume in the future.

A Watchful Stance

For the moment, Barcelona are focusing on De Jong’s performance and commitment. While there is speculation that he might choose to run down his contract and leave as a free agent in 2026, this scenario is only one of several possibilities and not a certainty.

The club has no intention of applying pressure or creating tension with the midfielder. Instead, Barça is committed to ensuring he is in peak form to contribute to their competitive ambitions this season.

By the end of the next campaign, with only a year remaining on his contract, the club is expected to reevaluate his situation if no clarity emerges before then.

What’s Next for Frenkie?

Barcelona’s patience signals their belief in De Jong’s importance, but the ball is now in the €60m-rated player’s court. Whether he chooses to renew, explore a move elsewhere, or see out his contract until 2026, his decisions in the coming months will shape his future at the club.

For now, De Jong has the opportunity to focus on his performances and reaffirm his value to the team. Barcelona, meanwhile, will be watching closely as they weigh their next steps in a measured and strategic manner.