The Story of Frenkie de Jong’s Complex Relationship with Barcelona
When Frenkie de Jong joined FC Barcelona from Ajax in 2019 for €75 million, he was hailed as the future of Barça’s midfield — a technically gifted, press-resistant player with the intelligence to carry the legacy of Xavi and Iniesta. The Dutchman arrived with immense promise, and while his performances have largely been solid, his time at the club has been overshadowed by financial drama, contract complications, and persistent transfer rumors.
The Controversial Contract Renewal
In October 2020, amid the financial chaos brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Barcelona’s then-president Josep Maria Bartomeu offered De Jong a contract extension that ran until 2026, significantly deferring parts of his salary. The structure of the deal saw De Jong lower his wages for the first couple of years in exchange for a massive salary hike in later seasons — a form of delayed payment meant to ease the club’s short-term financial burden.
However, when Joan Laporta became president in 2021, Barcelona’s new board began questioning the legality and fairness of some of those extensions, including De Jong’s. They claimed Bartomeu’s administration may have acted improperly and even threatened legal action to potentially void the contract — although nothing came of it.
The Summer of 2022: A Forced Exit?
By summer 2022, Barcelona were desperate to balance their books. De Jong’s high future wages and deferred payments — reportedly around €18 million — became a problem. The club was eager to sell him, with Manchester United under Erik ten Hag pushing hard for a reunion.
Despite pressure from the club and a fee of around €85 million agreed between Barça and United, De Jong refused to leave. He insisted on staying and made it clear he wanted to honor his contract, stating he had no intention of leaving a club he loved — especially not while still being owed back pay.
Ongoing Uncertainty in 2023–2024
De Jong remained a key player under Xavi, but the club’s financial troubles didn’t go away. As of the 2024/25 season, he’s one of the club’s highest earners, and rumors of another potential exit have once again surfaced — particularly as Barcelona look to rebuild under a new sporting project.
His current deal runs until 2026, but there have been no breakthroughs on a new contract, and the club may again consider a sale if financial pressures mount.
Where Things Stand Now (2025)
- De Jong is still committed to the team, but is reportedly unhappy with how he’s been treated during multiple transfer windows.
- No agreement has been reached on a wage reduction or extension, though informal talks have occurred.
- Clubs like Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and PSG remain interested — but De Jong’s loyalty and financial stake make him hard to move without his full consent.
Conclusion
Frenkie de Jong’s story at Barcelona is more than just football — it’s a tale of loyalty tested by mismanagement, contractual chaos, and a player standing his ground amid enormous pressure. Whether he renews or moves on, his time at Barcelona has already become one of the most complicated and talked-about chapters in the club’s recent history.
