Barca Universal
·15 October 2024
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Yahoo sportsBarca Universal
·15 October 2024
After over five months out of action, Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong finally returned to action recently, coming on as a substitute in the UEFA Champions League clash against Young Boys.
The 27-year-old added more minutes under his belt in the La Liga clash against Deportivo Alaves right before the international break.
While De Jong’s return is good news, Barcelona are worried about the Netherlands international’s contract situation.
It is no secret that the Blaugrana want to renew the Dutchman, but on a reduced salary, and have tabled an offer months ago.
But with no response, there is a fear that De Jong might opt to leave for free in 2026, when his current deal runs out.
Even as the contract situation continues to cause concerns in the background, Mundo Deportivo reports that Barcelona manager Hansi Flick completely trusts Frenkie de Jong.
The German tactician sees the midfielder as a player with very good technical abilities and solid physical conditions now that he has returned from injury.
De Jong’s contract expires in 2026. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
De Jong is one of the more experienced players at the club and has been at Barça for over five years now. He is also one of the five captains of the team which will have factored into Flick’s feelings about the midfielder.
The manager’s assessment further contributes towards Barcelona’s keenness in renewing the Netherlands international’s contract at the earliest possible.
However, the lack of response from the former AFC Ajax ace is causing some worries in the Blaugrana camp.
As such, in case De Jong does not sign a new deal before the end of the season, it is not ruled out that Barcelona place him on the transfer market next summer to avoid the risk of losing him for free in 2026.