Barcelona are facing a critical situation with Frenkie de Jong, as per reports from journalist Alfredo Martinez.
The reporter mentions that if the Dutch midfielder does not leave the club during the summer, Barcelona might be forced to consider a drastic move—terminating his contract.
This potential course of action stems from ongoing concerns about his contractual situation and its impact on the club’s finances.
De Jong’s current deal with Barcelona runs until 2026, but negotiations for an extension have hit a roadblock. While the club has made an offer, the player has yet to respond.
Despite Barcelona approaching him a while ago, there has been no indication of his willingness to renew.
This prolonged silence has raised concerns within the club, with fears growing that De Jong might be planning to leave for free once his current contract expires.
To avoid such an outcome, Barcelona are prepared to take decisive action. If De Jong does not agree to a new deal or fails to provide clarity on his future by next summer, the club intends to sell him.
This decision aligns with their strategy to avoid losing players for nothing, particularly high-value assets like De Jong.
Financially, De Jong represents a significant burden for Barcelona. Following his contract extension during the pandemic, the total cost of retaining him amounts to approximately €35 million per season.
This figure includes his salary, deferred payments, and amortisation, making him one of the club’s most expensive players.
Given their ongoing financial struggles, Barcelona are actively exploring options to reduce their wage bill and improve their balance sheet.
If no resolution is found, the club could even consider releasing him as a free agent to eliminate his €35 million annual cost. Such a move would provide much-needed financial relief and create room for Barcelona to reinvest in their squad.
