Barcelona star at war with club board as contract controversy drags on: Reports
Frenkie de Jong is at daggers drawn with the Barcelona board, according to journalist Albert Masnou. The Dutch midfielder's contract with the Catalans expires in the summer of 2026 and he hasn't agreed to a new deal yet.
The LaLiga giants have reportedly offered him a new deal, but the player is yet to respond to their proposal. Barcelona are worried that De Jong is planning to leave as a free agent, which has further soured relations.
The player is also hurt by the Catalan board's treatment, with the club apparently still viewing him as former president Josep Maria Bartomeu's signing. The LaLiga giants have previously attempted to move him on, which hasn't helped matters either.
De Jong missed the start of this season with an ankle injury and recently returned to action. However, his performances this season have failed to impress, with the club convinced that he is not fully fit.
Barcelona doctors have apparently advised the player to have surgery to address his injury. However, the player is not too keen to go under the knife and wants to follow a conservative treatment.
The Dutchman has registered one goal and one assist from 12 outings across competitions, but is yet to play the full 90 minutes in any of those games. Recent reports have suggested that Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) manager Luis Enrique wants to take the player to the Parc des Princes. However, it has also been suggested that Hansi Flick has asked the Catalans to tie the player down to a new deal.
How many games has Frenkie de Jong played for Barcelona?
Frenkie de Jong arrived at Camp Nou in the summer of 2019, with Barcelona reportedly paying Ajax €75m for his signature. The Dutchman has since registered 18 goals and 22 assists from 225 games across competitions for the club.
De Jong was a crucial member of the team that won the league, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de Espana during that period. The Dutchman was an indispensable part of Xavi's plans but is yet to cement his place under Hansi Flick.
Manchester United are long-term admirers of the player and could return for him next summer. Meanwhile, Liverpool have apparently entered the race for his services as well. Frenkie de Jong is apparently one of the highest earners at Barcelona, so his departure could also help steady the club's faltering finances.