Analysis: How a lot of a priority to Barcelona is Frenkie de Jong’s contract scenario?

Analysis: How a lot of a priority to Barcelona is Frenkie de Jong’s contract scenario?



In latest weeks, Barcelona have been engaged on new contracts for a number of first staff gamers. Currently, the likes of Pedri, Gavi and Ronald Araujo are all in talks to increase their stays past 2026, though one participant whose scenario continues to look unsure is Frenkie de Jong.

Like the aforementioned trio, de Jong is out of contract in 2026, which is why Barcelona are so decided to tie him all the way down to a brand new long-term deal earlier than subsequent summer season. If they fail to take action, it is virtually sure {that a} switch will probably be sought, in order that there is no such thing as a likelihood of him leaving as a free agent the next 12 months.

Right now, issues look precarious. De Jong has had a contract provide on the desk for months, however regardless of having solely returned in latest weeks after being out since April, he has not offered a solution. As a end result, Barcelona are more and more pessimistic about him not extending his keep that began in 2019.

If de Jong have been to be transfer-listed by Barcelona, ​​there is not any doubt that there can be loads of fits. A transfer to the Premier League can be possible, and in line with Fichajes (by way of CaughtOffside), Manchester United can be anticipated to re-ignite their curiosity within the Dutch midfielder if he have been to develop into out there.

Man United tried to signal de Jong in 2022, and regardless of having a proposal accepted by Barcelona, ​​the participant himself turned down the chance to hitch his former Ajax supervisor Erik ten Hag in Manchester.

With de Jong, the scenario needs to be fairly clear for Barcelona. If he indicators a brand new contract, it’s nice information. Hansi Flick will assist him enhance his under-par performances over the past 12-18 months, and this will probably be an enormous profit for the Catalans. However, if he decides to proceed holding out throughout negotiations, a sale would even be smart.

The emergence of Marc Casado and Marc Bernal this season have significantly improved Barcelona’s depth in defensive midfield. As a end result, somebody like de Jong is not as mandatory as he was earlier than, so if a suitable provide have been to reach subsequent summer season, the cash needs to be taken as a result of it will additionally liberate a good portion of wages.

Barcelona have sturdy pivot choices. Aside from Casado and Bernal, there may be additionally Gavi and Pedri, whereas Andreas Christensen and Eric Garcia can be utilized there when required. Furthermore, there may be additionally La Masia that may be checked out, so there is no such thing as a motive to hold on to de Jong if he exhibits no want to stay round.