Frenkie de Jong’s experience at Camp Nou has been nothing short of a wild ride since he joined Barcelona.
The Dutchman, who was once heralded as the future centerpiece of Barça’s midfield, ended up at odds with the team over money and contract disputes and was even on the verge of leaving.
De Jong, however, has found his form again and is now among the team’s most dependable and consistent midfield players under new head coach Hansi Flick.
De Jong Regains His Form, and Barça Wants to Keep Him Around
Under Flick’s tutelage, De Jong has displayed a fresh sense of confidence and rhythm this season.
He is an important member of Barça’s midfield organization because of his accurate passing, astute positioning, and seamless transitions.
The Dutch international has demonstrated that he is still crucial to the team’s tactical balance, whether it is through sweeping long balls or deft short passes.
Few ever questioned his quality, even during the tumultuous periods in his connection with the club.
Barcelona’s board has reiterated his significance and has already started negotiations for a contract extension as the team is beginning to establish a more distinct tactical character.
Sporting director Deco has started the renewal process, according to Mundo Deportivo, and both sides are expecting to reach a deal before the current season ends.
Complex Negotiations Ahead: Examining the Salary and Buyout Clause
It is anticipated that De Jong’s renewal will be anything but simple, despite the shared interest. De Jong’s current contract is costly, in part because of the exorbitant wage structure set up by the previous board in an effort to keep him from leaving, in contrast to academy graduates with more flexible terms.
For a long time, this remuneration has presented difficulties for Barça’s wage bill and transfer policy.
The club is allegedly looking into a deferred salary plan to remedy this, which would stretch out De Jong’s future profits over a longer time frame.
Other players like Ronald Araújo, Marc-André ter Stegen, and Pedri have already adopted this strategy, which relieves immediate financial strain while keeping valuable players.
The introduction of a predetermined buyout clause is another important topic under discussion. According to reports, €80 million is regarded as a reasonable and negotiable amount—high enough to safeguard the club’s interests without being so outrageous as to turn off possible purchasers.
Adhering to the Araújo Model: A Novel Approach to Strategy?
With Ronald Araújo’s deal, Barcelona tested a similar strategy by including a release clause worth at least €100 million.
The defender’s market value was maintained, and he was given flexibility in case other possibilities arose. For De Jong, a similar method might be effective.
An €80 million release clause seems acceptable given his recent performances and ongoing prominence in the global market.
It gives De Jong some control over his future in case he no longer feels like a vital member of the team, while also enabling Barça to perhaps profit from him in the future.
2025 Contract Expiration: The Best Time to Do It Is in the Summer of 2024
This summer is the most sensible time to negotiate an extension—or, if necessary, a sale—for De Jong, whose present contract is scheduled to end in the summer of 2025.
Barça’s negotiation position would be severely weakened if the contract were allowed to expire further.
De Jong has reiterated time and again that he wants to stay in Barcelona, even though he has been linked to Premier League teams like Manchester United and Chelsea. his is provided that he continues to be a valuable member of the team and is regularly used by the manager.
Although he is focused on winning at Camp Nou, he is also aware of the practical aspects of playing football professionally.
Other Giants are keeping an eye on the situation, and United is still interested
One of De Jong’s most persistent suitors for a long time has been Manchester United. In an effort to reestablish the midfield chemistry they had in Amsterdam, United has made several attempts to sign him under Erik ten Hag, his former Ajax boss.
Spanish media reports that United is still keeping a close eye on the situation and may take a different tack before the start of the upcoming season.
Other European powerhouses like Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain might potentially enter the race if contract negotiations between De Jong and Barcelona stall once more. This would put pressure on Barcelona to find a quick solution.
Important Choice Ahead: It’s Time to Restructure the Partnership
De Jong is currently at a turning point in his life. Barcelona’s midfield renovation will be greatly impacted by his choice to stay and sign a new contract or to look for a new challenge elsewhere.
The club is willing to make him a key player in the upcoming phase and obviously wants him to stay. However, negotiating a contract that works for both parties will put the board’s resolve and strategic acumen to the test during a time of budgetary restraints and squad reorganizations.
De Jong’s devotion to Barcelona is undeniable. He is aware of his contributions to the field. But because his profession is fast-paced and possibilities don’t come around very often, he might have to think about his options if he doesn’t feel completely supported.
All eyes will be on Camp Nou in the upcoming months as the destiny of one of Barça’s most talked-about midfield players is about to be determined.
