Barcelona midfielder’s extension saga still open as player contemplates future

Frenkie de Jong took the media head on this midweek when he publicly criticised the press for spreading false rumours about his future and his salary at Barcelona.

Shortly after his comments, he was backed by coach Xavi Hernandez, who clarified that the midfielder would remain at Barcelona for years.

It was even followed by positive reports surrounding de Jong’s future, especially after a meeting between Deco and his agent Dursun.

Deco’s comments make things complicated

However, according to Diario AS, de Jong’s soap opera is likely to continue and might even get more complicated especially after Deco refused to back de Jong after his comments in Naples.

While he could have easily had the chance to kill the de Jong speculation once and for all, the Barcelona sporting director offered a diplomatic response, stating, “For us, the important thing is that De Jong is happy. and focused.” 

Deco has yet to confirm de Jong’s future (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images)

This Saturday, he went a step further and said, “Nothing will happen. They are players with a contract. We want to keep the best and the idea is this. We want to keep them.”

Case remains open

In light of Deco’s comments, the case for de Jong’s potential sale from Camp Nou this summer remains open.

In fact, the report adds that Barcelona are certainly not happy with de Jong’s current salary, which goes up to €17-€18 million minus bonuses.

That is why Barcelona are desperate to try and convince the Dutchman to lower his salary and sign a new contract.

De Jong, for his part, has distanced himself from him and the club’s board of directors and the president, who tried to sell him in the summer of 2022.

It was even reported earlier this season that the former Ajax starlet would be open to listening to offers this summer. Everything, therefore, still remains open and it will be interesting to see how things transpire in the coming months.