In an atmosphere of anticipation, Barcelona is gearing up to face Atalanta in their final Champions League group stage match.
While the game holds less weight since Barcelona has already secured a spot in the top 8, there are significant internal changes taking place, particularly regarding player contracts.
Frenkie de Jong, the 27-year-old midfielder, has experienced a positive turnaround after battling physical issues and speculation about his future. Having fully recovered from an ankle injury that sidelined him for much of last season, De Jong has become a key player under coach Hansi Flick. His impressive performance against Valencia is a testament to the coach’s confidence in him.
In light of his recent form and importance to the team, De Jong has made a surprising decision: he wants to stay at Barcelona and renew his contract, which is set to expire in June 2026. Furthermore, he has offered to take a salary reduction to help the club navigate its financial difficulties.
This decision has been met with mixed reactions in the dressing room. Barcelona had previously proposed a contract extension to De Jong, but negotiations fell through.
However, club president Joan Laporta has consistently praised De Jong’s professionalism, and sporting director Deco is actively working to secure his long-term future at the club.
One of Barcelona’s priorities now is to avoid letting De Jong’s contract run down to 2026, as that would risk losing him for free. If no agreement is reached soon, the club might look to sell him during the next summer transfer window to avoid losing him without compensation.
De Jong’s willingness to accept a pay cut is a crucial move, especially given Barcelona’s financial situation and the need to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.
This gesture not only shows his commitment to the club’s project but also strengthens his position as a vital part of Barcelona’s midfield moving forward. His decision to negotiate a contract renewal, while accepting a reduced salary, is likely to improve his relationship with the club and play a key role in securing his future at Barcelona.
