‘We want him to stay’… Deco gives update on Barcelona captain’s future | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have enjoyed a resurgent season under Hansi Flick, securing a domestic treble and coming heartbreakingly close to a Champions League final appearance, their first in a decade.

With the on-pitch action nearing its conclusion, attention now turns to the front office, where sporting director Deco must begin the vital work of strengthening the squad and securing key players for the long term.

One player whose contract situation is a bit delicate is club captain Frenkie de Jong. The Dutch midfield maestro has had a brilliant 2025 and emerged as one of the most important players under Hansi Flick. However, his current deal expires in 2026.

Frenkie has been brilliant for Barcelona this season. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Frenkie’s future under the microscope

Barcelona fans and Frenkie de Jong haven’t always seen eye-to-eye, with a lot of unfair expectations being placed on the player. However, more often than not, the Dutchman has managed to silence his critics and now, he seems to have the fanbase’s support as well.

When asked about the situation, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo, Deco has provided an update on the 28-year-old club captain’s future. He said:

“Frenkie isn’t to blame for what he earns. He’s become the player we expected: committed, involved, and feeling good. He’s now a key figure for us. We can’t dwell on the past. He’s been unfairly judged because of his contract, as sometimes you earn less early on and more later. Our focus is on the future, and we’ve told him we want him to stay. While we haven’t directly negotiated yet, we’re happy with him for now, and he still has one year left on his deal.”

Frenkie has had a brilliant season under Hansi Flick. (Source: DataMB)

Barcelona must secure their midfield leader

It is fair that Frenkie de Jong has been unfairly judged by Barcelona fans at times but it is also a consequence of him having spent most of his years at the club when not everything was going great around him.

Often, the Dutchman has been the lone shining light and he finally has a team that not only complements him but also makes him want to step his game up. The 28-year-old has showcased a new side to his personality this season.

If Barcelona are serious about building long-term success under Hansi Flick, retaining Frenkie de Jong must be a top priority. After weathering years of instability, the Dutchman has emerged as a true leader, both in performance and presence.

With mutual respect seemingly in place between player and club, a contract extension would not only reward his loyalty but also solidify the midfield for years to come. All signs hopefully point toward a renewed partnership; now, it’s just a matter of getting the deal done.