FC Barcelona informed Frenkie de Jong that their relationship had to be long-term, otherwise he could pack his bags.
The Dutchman’s future is once again under scrutiny this summer, as the Catalans once again look to reduce their wage bill for the second summer in a row. De Jong, 26, is currently the team’s highest-paid player, and he is expected to earn that much next year, as his contract ends in 2026.
Eager to see him reduce, or at least spread out his salary further, and to give himself a certain security regarding his contractual situation, FC Barcelona made a renewal offer to which de Jong did not respond. If he wants to stay, however, negotiations will have to be accelerated.
A smear campaign coming?
On the contrary, if de Jong is not convinced by the project or a new contract, they have made it clear that he must present a significant offer to leave this summer. The Catalans believe he is worth at least €100 million, with Chelsea having spent more than that sum on players like Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, according to MD.
As for the Dutchman, he will not be in a hurry to do anything. He currently holds all the cards, and if he is considering leaving, he will not necessarily be interested in seeking a big offer this summer. That said, if de Jong is not looking to leave, but is unwilling to take a pay cut, he risks enduring a second media campaign to force him out of the club, as happened two summers ago.
