Joan Laporta optimistic of contract talks with 27-year-old Barcelona player | OneFootball

Joan Laporta had every reason to celebrate as FC Barcelona wrapped up a domestic treble this season. The president’s bold appointment of Hansi Flick last summer has paid off spectacularly, with the German manager ushering in a thrilling brand of football and restoring belief at the club.

Barcelona not just won La Liga ahead of Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, but did so playing the best football in Europe. The Catalan club has not been this entertaining to watch since the days of Luis Enrique and Pep Guardiola prior to him.

Many players in the current squad have enjoyed a brilliant season, which is often important to ensure a team does well across multiple fronts. One player who has looked flawless since the beginning of January is experienced Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

From injury horror to indispensable

The Dutch maestro missed much of the first half of the season through a torrid ankle injury, and when he returned, he struggled to get into rhythm. However, something changed with the turn of the calendar year, and Frenkie has not looked back since.

Slowly yet surely, with his performances as a pivot on the biggest of occasions and also wearing the armband with passion and brilliant leadership, Frenkie has managed to turn his detractors and win them over in these past five months.

The elephant in the room

Frenkie has been brilliant in 2025. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

However, one thing that might still be a concern for fans before truly getting behind the club captain is his contract situation, which ends in 2026. Joan Laporta was asked about the same, and as quoted by Mundo Deportivo, the president had a positive update.

“I’ve always been a big fan of De Jong. He’s one of those who maintains Barça’s style of play. He’s from the Ajax school. He has a lot of personality, and I think he’s having a good time. Maybe when we don’t win, people have a harder time, and he also had the ankle injury.”

“He especially likes to be 100 percent fit. He’s also a man who runs a lot of miles, who has a lot of courage, who sets the pace in games. Now he’s recovered, and we’re working on that renewal. He’s very excited; we’re very determined to do whatever it takes to keep him there. Well, he’s sorting out some personal and professional issues, and when that’s resolved, we’ll be able to announce that he’s staying with us.”

It bodes very well for Barcelona that Frenkie is showing a desire to extend his stay at Barcelona. His quality has never been in question, and his defensive acumen has grown leaps and bounds over the course of this season.

Joan Laporta’s optimism surrounding the Dutchman’s contract extension is an encouraging sign. Should De Jong sign a new deal, it would not only secure a world-class talent but also send a strong message about the club’s stability and ambition heading into a new era.

Frenkie looks at home again in the heart of midfield, and Barca fans will be hoping he remains there for many seasons to come.