Barcelona captain’s relationship with the board fractured over salary dispute

According to journalist Albert Masnou, writing for SPORT, the relationship between Frenkie de Jong and the Barcelona board is currently strained, largely due to issues regarding his salary and the club’s multiple attempts to sell him in the past. 

As a result, the midfielder is reportedly planning to evaluate his future with the club once the current season comes to an end.

On the football side of things, Hansi Flick is eager to have De Jong back after the international break, especially with Barcelona suffering from several midfield injuries.

However, the reality is that De Jong has not set a date for his return. The Dutch midfielder has no intention of undergoing surgery and refuses to play if he is not fully fit. 

Master of his own destiny

De Jong has made it clear that he will not return to action until he is 100% healthy. Despite pressure from the club’s medical team, he has chosen not to force his recovery or risk playing with lingering pain. 

For now, his return remains uncertain, leaving Barcelona in a state of limbo, relying entirely on De Jong’s decision about when he feels ready to come back.

Frenkie de Jong has put Barcelona in a difficult situation. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Beneath these fitness concerns, another issue looms—his rocky relationship with the club’s current board. Once considered a crucial signing, De Jong’s situation has taken a complete turn. 

Problems are plenty for Barcelona and De Jong

First, the club tried to sell him against his wishes. Then, details of his salary were leaked, failing to mention that he was owed payments from the Covid-affected season. 

After that, Barça attempted to extend his contract to reduce his salary, but De Jong did not engage with their proposal. 

This summer, the club even offered him to other teams, again without his consent. All of this tension is now adding to the complications surrounding his injury.

Looking ahead, the midfielder remains determined to return to the pitch. But once the season ends, a lot could change in both the sporting and institutional dynamics of the club. 

De Jong holds a strong position—his contract has one more year left, giving him control over what happens next. He knows Joan Laporta has acted behind his back multiple times, and now, with the upper hand, De Jong will make his own decisions about his future. 

He could see out the rest of his contract and leave for free, agree to a transfer for a lower fee, or even choose to renew if the situation at Barcelona improves significantly. Ultimately, it is now up to Laporta to convince him otherwise.