Barcelona faces a significant challenge in its attempt to renew Frenkie de Jong’s contract, which currently runs until 2026. Negotiations with the Dutch midfielder are progressing slowly, and the club is growing concerned over the lack of response from his representatives to the initial offer presented earlier this year. Some within Barça fear that De Jong may be delaying his decision with an eye on the possibility of leaving as a free agent when his contract expires.

De Jong, a key figure in coach Hansi Flick’s plans, has returned to his role as a starter in midfield after recovering from an ankle injury. Flick believes the player could be crucial to Barcelona's project in the coming years. Given his importance, the club has tried to adjust his salary to spread out payments the player missed during the pandemic, which are now impacting Barça’s salary limits.

Sporting director Deco proposed a long-term contract extension that would help manage these outstanding amounts, but so far, De Jong has not provided a definitive response. Although the club has held some meetings with his representatives, the lack of concrete progress suggests the player and his team might be exploring other possibilities.

The situation is complex, especially considering the tense relationship between De Jong and the club’s management after previous attempts to transfer him to Manchester United. De Jong, who turned down a lucrative contract with PSG to join Barcelona, has expressed frustration over the treatment he has received in these negotiations. From his perspective, he is simply receiving the salary agreed upon in his initial contract, while the club now faces financial consequences from the salary adjustments made during the pandemic.

Barça sees De Jong as part of its long-term plans, but it wants to avoid having him enter the final year of his contract without a resolution, as a free exit would be a major setback for the club. Although De Jong is comfortable in Barcelona and has no immediate plans to leave, next summer could be decisive in defining his future if a renewal agreement is not reached.