Frenkie de Jong, the Dutch midfielder who joined Barça in 2019, remains one of the most talked-about footballers. With his great potential, his arrival at Barça promised a lot, but his career has had ups and downs. However, an unexpected turn seems to mark his future at the Catalan club.
The Beginning of a Great Promise
Frenkie de Jong arrived at Barça with a star label. Coming from Ajax for 86 million euros, he was expected to be the midfielder who would return Barça to the top of world soccer.
His elegant style, his ability to distribute the ball, and his vision of the game made him a highly sought-after player. In a club that had lost Xavi and Iniesta, De Jong seemed the natural successor in the midfield.
Challenges Along the Way
However, his journey at Barça hasn't been easy. Injuries and some adaptation issues affected his performance in his early years. Despite his talent, he didn't immediately establish himself as one of the team's pillars.
Moreover, his lack of commitment and his inconsistent level on the field raised doubts among fans and the press. Many struggled to understand why he wasn't unleashing his full potential at such a big club.
A Radical Change with Hansi Flick
The arrival of Hansi Flick to Barça's bench marked a turning point in De Jong's career. Under the direction of the German coach, the Dutchman regained confidence, a starting position, and, above all, his best level.
With Flick at the helm, De Jong has excelled again, becoming an essential pillar in the team's midfield. His performance improved considerably, and he showed more involvement with the club's objectives.
The Uncertain Future: The Renewal That Doesn't Come
Despite his sporting recovery, Frenkie de Jong's future at Barcelona remained uncertain. His contract expires in 2026, but for more than a year, Deco has been trying to negotiate his renewal.
However, De Jong had rejected the club's proposals several times, citing that the conditions weren't adequate. The situation was further complicated by rumors suggesting he might leave Barça in the coming years.
An Unexpected Turn
However, to everyone's surprise, Frenkie de Jong has made an unexpected turn. He has requested an urgent meeting with Deco to discuss his renewal.
In recent weeks, his agent and Deco have sat down to negotiate the terms of the new contract, and everything seems to indicate that the positions are getting closer. De Jong seems willing to accept the conditions offered by Barcelona.