Frenkie de Jong, the talented Dutch midfielder, has been handed a new contract offer by Barcelona as the club looks to secure his long-term future amid growing interest from Arsenal. The negotiations over De Jong’s future have been an ongoing saga, with speculation surrounding his departure from the club for some time. However, following his impressive performances after returning from injury and the influence of new manager Hansi Flick, Barcelona is keen to tie him down to a fresh deal. This offer has been put forward to prevent him from joining the ranks of Arsenal or any other club that might make an enticing move for the 26-year-old.
Barcelona Negotiating Over De Jong’s Future
The situation regarding Frenkie de Jong’s contract has shifted several times throughout the past season. In the earlier months, Barcelona made a bold decision to withdraw their contract offer, leaving the future of their key midfielder up in the air. The withdrawal of the offer came after De Jong failed to respond to the initial proposal, sparking fears that the club could lose him. At that point, the Dutch international appeared to be edging towards an exit from the club, with many speculating that he might move on to greener pastures.
However, recent developments have completely reversed the narrative. Since returning from a brief injury spell, De Jong has regained a central role in the team under Hansi Flick, who has quickly emerged as an influential figure in the squad. The impact that the Dutch midfielder has had since the change in management has led to a renewed sense of urgency within the club to make sure he does not leave. Flick, who has brought a new sense of direction to the club, is reportedly keen on ensuring that De Jong remains at Barcelona and is a pivotal part of the team moving forward.
The shift in De Jong’s importance to the club has prompted Barcelona to resume negotiations with the midfielder’s representatives. SPORT, a well-known sports outlet, reported that Barcelona’s Sporting Director Deco has been at the forefront of these negotiations. In recent weeks, Deco personally reached out to De Jong’s agent to extend a fresh contract offer to the midfielder. This marks a clear effort by the club to stabilize the situation and make sure that Frenkie de Jong stays at the Camp Nou for the foreseeable future.
Arsenal’s Interest in De Jong and the Growing Transfer Rumors
The speculation surrounding De Jong’s future has been magnified by Arsenal’s interest in the Dutch star. The North London club has reportedly been monitoring the situation closely, with rumors suggesting that they could make a move for him in the upcoming summer transfer window. With De Jong’s current contract set to expire in just over a year, Arsenal is believed to be exploring the possibility of securing his services for a relatively low fee. The prospect of De Jong leaving Barcelona for a cut-price deal could be an enticing offer for clubs like Arsenal, who are looking to strengthen their midfield ahead of the new season.
In addition to Arsenal, other clubs have also been rumored to be interested in signing De Jong. As his contract runs down, more teams may enter the race for his signature, making it even more crucial for Barcelona to secure him on a new deal as soon as possible. If De Jong enters the final year of his contract without a new agreement in place, Barcelona would be forced to make him available for transfer, as they have made it clear that any player in this position will not be allowed to stay without an extension.
The Terms of the New Contract Offer
According to SPORT, the new contract offer put forward by Barcelona to Frenkie de Jong is a three-year extension, which would keep him at the club until at least 2028. The terms of the contract are reported to mirror his current salary, with annual earnings estimated to be between €18 million and €19 million (£15.1 million to £16 million). These terms would place him among the highest earners at the club, cementing his status as one of Barcelona’s most important players.
In addition to the salary package, the new deal would see De Jong forgo any remaining wages that were deferred as part of the club’s salary reduction strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Back in October 2020, the midfielder agreed to defer part of his salary to help the club navigate through the financial difficulties brought on by the pandemic. As part of the new contract, he would waive the deferred wages, an important gesture that showcases his commitment to the club and his desire to remain in Barcelona.
The willingness of De Jong to take up this new contract offer reflects his positive relationship with Barcelona and his desire to continue his career at the club. While there was speculation about his exit, recent developments have shown that both the club and the player are now looking toward a future together. The fact that De Jong is now willing to extend his stay in Barcelona suggests that the relationship between him and the club has been strengthened in recent months.
Barcelona’s Position on De Jong’s Future
As mentioned earlier, Barcelona has made it clear that players who are entering the final year of their contracts will be made available for transfer. This policy reflects the club’s desire to avoid letting valuable assets leave for free, a situation that has been a concern for many top European clubs in recent years. If De Jong does not sign a new contract soon, Barcelona would have to consider selling him in the summer of 2024, when he will have just one year left on his current deal.
However, the situation is not expected to reach such an extreme point. Both De Jong and the club appear to be on the same page, and the hope is that a new deal will be signed before the summer transfer window opens. De Jong has expressed his satisfaction with his current role in the team, and he is said to be keen on remaining at Barcelona for the long term. The opportunity to continue playing at the top level, with the possibility of extending his career into his 30s, is likely to appeal to the talented midfielder.
The Future of Frenkie de Jong at Barcelona
As Frenkie de Jong looks to finalize his future, it is clear that Barcelona is keen to avoid another major exit. The club has invested heavily in its squad in recent years, and the stability that De Jong brings to the midfield is invaluable. While there has been interest from Arsenal and other clubs, Barcelona is doing everything it can to secure his services for the long term.
With Hansi Flick now in charge and De Jong back to his best, the midfielder is poised to continue playing a key role in Barcelona’s future. The club will be hopeful that the negotiations over his new contract will be concluded positively, ensuring that De Jong remains a central figure for years to come.
In conclusion, Barcelona is determined to keep Frenkie de Jong at the club despite growing interest from Arsenal. The new contract offer, which includes favorable terms and a significant salary, indicates the club’s desire to tie the Dutchman down to a long-term deal. As De Jong continues to play a crucial role under new manager Hansi Flick, both the club and player will look to finalize this deal as quickly as possible to avoid further speculation and ensure the midfielder’s future at Barcelona.
