Barcelona midfield superstar shuts the door on Saudi Arabia, edging closer to renewal | OneFootball

Frenkie de Jong delivered another standout performance for Barcelona last night against Borussia Dortmund as the team secured a resounding 4-0 victory.

The Dutch midfielder once again controlled the Blaugrana’s build-up play, completing 62 passes with just two misplaced. At the same time, he was solid off the ball, with his positioning and ball-winning shining through.

Despite his struggles initially after returning from injury, Hansi Flick always had faith that De Jong would become an integral part of the team, which he has now.

Edging closer to a new contract

As such, SPORT now reports that Barcelona are edging closer to securing De Jong’s contract renewal, given that his current deal stands to run out in 2026.

Furthermore, both the Dutchman and his camp have already ruled out a summer move to Saudi Arabia, dismissing interest from Al Ittihad, who were prepared to make a significant financial offer.

Saudi clubs have spent months trying to lure De Jong with a lucrative offer, particularly during the period when he was out of the starting XI while recovering from injury.

De Jong wants to continue at Barcelona. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

However, he is convinced that this is the right time to continue with a project that now genuinely appears capable of winning major titles in the coming seasons. As such, the focus is now fully on negotiating an extension.

Agreement in sight?

Flick had already asked Barcelona to ensure De Jong remained at all costs this summer, firmly closing the door on a potential transfer. He has also urged the club to make an extra effort to reach a new contract agreement with him.

The German coach has always seen the Dutchman as a key pillar in his sporting project, and De Jong is now fulfilling that role, leading the team from deep in midfield.

The manager’s influence has been instrumental in convincing the midfielder to push forward with talks to secure a new deal.

Barcelona have already submitted a new renewal offer and are now fine-tuning the details. A meeting with De Jong’s agent had been expected this week, although it has not yet taken place. However, communication remains constant.

It is not a simple negotiation from a financial standpoint, but De Jong’s clear intention to stay at Barcelona is helping move things forward. It appears to be only a matter of time before a mutually favourable agreement is reached.