Barcelona optimistic Frenkie De Jong will take a pay cut as contract talks reach advanced stage | OneFootball

Barcelona are fairly confident that Frenkie De Jong will accept a pay cut to remain at the club as contract talks reach an advanced stage, according to Sport.

The 27-year-old has just over one year left on his contract, with his existing deal set to expire in the summer of 2026, and Barca want him to pledge his allegiance to them.

Barca have made it clear that any player who wishes to remain at the club must agree to new terms, or they will be on the chopping board next summer.

They have communicated their policy to key players, including De Jong and Ronald Araujo, with the La Liga leaders keen to secure their futures before the end of the season.

Barca and De Jong have been at odds over his contract terms, with the Dutchman reluctant to sign a new deal that significantly reduces his exorbitant wages.

However, after holding initial talks, the club is optimistic that the former Ajax ace will shift his stance as he has shown a willingness to remain at Spotify Camp Nou for the foreseeable future.

Negotiations with de Jong and Araujo have been ongoing for nearly a year, but the saga could be wrapped up before the end of the month.

The club is also determined to avoid a scenario where either player reaches the end of their contract and leaves on a free transfer.

Barca came close to losing Araujo last season, but he turned down lucrative offers, reaffirming his commitment to the club after face-to-face talks with president Joan Laporta.

They insist their determination to tie De Jong to a new deal under fresh terms has nothing to do with his inflated earnings.

However, the club could kill two birds with one stone by getting him to commit.

Not only will it lift some of their financial burden, but it also saves them the hassle of scouring the market for a quality replacement with limited funds.