Frenkie de Jong’s performance against Valencia was one of the many positives for Barcelona manager Hansi Flick to shake off a 7-1 drubbing.
The Dutchman started in midfield in Pedri’s absence and played the full 90 minutes, delivering a performance to be proud of and carrying on his good form.
De Jong is slowly gaining ground in Flick’s plans and establishing himself as a reliable player once again. However, his contractual situation remains as uncertain as it was months ago.
Unavoidable departure?
As conveyed in a recent report by TransfersDe Jong has openly declared his comfort in Barcelona and the joy he receives from representing the Blaugrana crest repeatedly.
At the same time, however, he has not taken any steps forward to renew his deal at the club despite the board’s best efforts.
His current deal with Barcelona runs out in the summer of 2026 and the club hopes to tie him down and complete a renewal. However, given their complicated economic situation, they request that the player commit to his salary as many others have done.
De Jong, however, is unwilling to accept such a reduction and is therefore stalling talks with the club claiming there is still time for it to become an issue of immediate importance.
With Barcelona’s hands tied over the financial situation and De Jong unwilling to commit, the exit doors appear to be open for the captain who has attracted no shortage of interest in recent transfer windows.
Clubs such as Manchester United and Bayern Munich have been linked with his signature in the past and a departure does not seem unlikely despite him seeing more minutes later.
So far this season, the 27-year-old has played 350 minutes for Barcelona in La Liga and has one goal and one assist to his name. Last night’s game against Valencia was one of their best displays of the season.