Barcelona president confirms key midfielder’s renewal is on track – ‘Want him to be here for many years’ | OneFootball

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed that the club is progressing well in its attempt to renew Frenkie de Jong’s contract.

The Dutch midfielder’s current deal runs until 2026, and both the club and the player appear keen to extend their relationship.

De Jong expected to renew

Speaking at a charity golf event hosted by Ronald Koeman, Laporta addressed various current topics. Among them was the status of negotiations with De Jong.

“It is on the right track,” said Laporta when asked about the contract renewal.

“We want Frenkie to be here for many years. He’s a key player on the team, as Ronald rightly says,” he added, picking up on comments made moments earlier by Koeman.

Koeman also affirmed that the player’s desire is to continue at the club, saying: “I hope he stays. He wants to, and I know he is very happy at Barça and wants to remain here. I do not see any major issue.”

Frenkie’s contract expires in 2026. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

No concern about refereeing changes

Laporta also addressed the recent shake-up within the refereeing structure in Spain, which saw the dismissal of top officials from the Technical Committee of Referees by the president of the Spanish Football Federation, Rafael Louzan.

The Barcelona president expressed full support for the changes.

“It does not concern me. I have full confidence in President Louzan and that things will be done as they should be,” he stated.

“These changes have been discussed for a while regarding the restructuring of the CTA. I do not know the full details of the reasons, although the president has provided some explanations.”

Laporta added that he believes in maintaining trust in the refereeing system, regardless of who is in charge.

“We must have confidence in the refereeing body, no matter who comes or who goes,” he insisted.

When asked about the long-running series of videos produced by Real Madrid TV criticising referees, Laporta declined to respond.

“I do not comment on the videos from Real Madrid TV. I am not interested,” he said before picking up his golf clubs to take part in the Koeman Cup.

Source: Mundo Deportivo