FC Barcelona prepares to offload Frenkie de Jong amid contract issues

In November 2024, FC Barcelona is reportedly considering the sale of midfielder Frenkie de Jong. The Dutch international, who joined the club for €75 million, has had a relatively underwhelming tenure at Barcelona, winning only one La Liga title and a Copa del Rey. His performances have declined recently, placing him lower in the midfield hierarchy under coach Hansi Flick. Despite receiving praise for a solid outing in El Clasico, De Jong's consistent playing time has diminished after recovering from an ankle injury. De Jong's contract situation has also raised eyebrows, as he is the highest earner in the squad and has not agreed to any renewal offers made by the club. With his contract set to expire in June 2026, Barcelona's management is eager to sell him next summer before he can negotiate a free transfer in January 2026. Reports indicate that there is speculation surrounding De Jong's lack of response to Barcelona's contract proposals, which has led to rumors that he may be intentionally trying to leave the club without a transfer fee. As a result, there is a growing urgency for FC Barcelona to make a decision on De Jong's future, as his potential exit could impact their financial situation significantly. Losing a player of De Jong's stature without receiving a fee would be detrimental to the club, which is grappling with financial challenges. This situation is compounded by the fact that Barcelona is striving to maintain their competitiveness in both domestic and European competitions. De Jong was once tipped to be a crucial part of Barcelona's future and a successor to club legends like Ronald Koeman and Johan Cruyff. However, the lack of a significant impact during his time has left the club questioning whether they can count on him as a long-term asset. With various young talents emerging, including Marc Casado, Pedri, and Gavi, De Jong's prospects in the squad appear bleak. As the transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on the club's handling of his situation and whether they can secure a decent transfer fee before it's too late.