Barcelona fear key midfielder may favour free agent exit over renewal in 2026

Barcelona are currently in talks to renew several players’ contracts, with Frenkie de Jong being one of the key figures they want to secure for the future. 

However, according to Mundo Deportivo (h/t FCB World), de Jong’s renewal seems to be the most challenging of them all. 

The main issue lies in uncertainty over whether the Dutch midfielder even wants to extend his stay at the club or if he prefers to run down his contract and become a free agent by 2026.

No response from de Jong

Hansi Flick holds de Jong in high regard due to his impressive technical skills and physical abilities, which is why the manager is eager for him to remain at Barcelona. Yet, from de Jong’s side, there seems to be some reluctance. 

One significant sign of this hesitation is that the player has yet to respond to the club’s contract extension offer, which was made before the end of 2023.

Frenkie de Jong has not responded to Barcelona’s contract offer. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

Barcelona are aware that de Jong may not be inclined to renew his contract. Should this turn out to be the case, the club could find itself in a difficult position. 

Barcelona would lose a lot

If he leaves in 2026 as a free agent, the club would miss out on recouping the substantial fee they paid for him—€75 million, plus an additional €11 million in variables, back in 2019. 

To avoid this scenario, Barcelona are keen to reach an agreement with de Jong before next summer. If no deal is reached by then, the club might have no choice but to consider selling him in 2025.

Despite weeks of negotiations, little progress has been made on de Jong’s contract renewal. As things stand, unless either the club or the player makes a significant compromise, the situation is likely to remain unresolved. 

Barcelona are eager to find a solution but are prepared for any outcome if talks do not advance in the coming months.