If Barcelona and Frenkie de Jong fail to come to terms on a new contract, the Catalan club might soon have no choice but to consider selling their highly-valued Dutch midfielder. De Jong, a player who has long been admired by Manchester United, has been on the club’s radar for some time now, though no deal has ever materialized. Despite ongoing speculation, Barcelona has managed to hold onto the player thus far, but that could change in the near future.
With De Jong’s contract set to expire in 2026, Barcelona is running out of time to secure his long-term future. Although the club still has two years to resolve the matter, they are eager to avoid letting the situation drag on and are actively working to extend his current deal. According to recent reports from the Spanish outlet SPORT, Barcelona has already put forward a new offer, but De Jong has yet to respond. If he rejects their proposal, the club could be forced to sell him as early as the summer of 2025. For Barcelona, this would represent a major shift in their midfield planning, as De Jong has become a vital cog in the team’s engine room since his arrival.
In a parallel situation, Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo also finds himself at a contractual crossroads. The Uruguayan center-back, like De Jong, has been linked with Manchester United, and his contract is similarly set to expire in 2026. With neither player committing to a renewal, Barcelona may soon face a difficult decision regarding their future transfer strategies. Both De Jong and Araujo are crucial to the team’s current success, but should they fail to extend their contracts, the club may be left with no option but to part ways with them.
For Barcelona, this could mark a significant transition in their squad dynamics. The failure to secure the futures of key players like De Jong and Araujo would leave a void, forcing the club to re-evaluate its roster and make tough decisions about replacements. However, the club’s leadership remains focused on locking down the futures of their talented young midfielders, Pedri and Gavi. These two players are viewed as the future of Barcelona, and according to reports, both are fully committed to staying at the club. Their dedication to Barcelona’s project could mean that, in the event of De Jong’s departure, Pedri and Gavi would assume even greater responsibility within the squad, possibly diminishing De Jong’s influence.
The uncertainty surrounding De Jong has not gone unnoticed by Europe’s elite clubs. Manchester United, who have long been linked with the midfielder, remain interested, as do Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain. Over the past summer, rumors of a reunion between De Jong and Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, under whom De Jong thrived at Ajax, persisted. Although such a move never materialized, it’s clear that De Jong has no shortage of potential suitors, and should he choose to move on from Barcelona, there will be a fierce battle for his signature.
Despite the speculation, De Jong has been steadfast in his loyalty to Barcelona. In various interviews, he has reiterated his contentment at the club. “Without a doubt, I’m very happy here with my family in Barcelona,” he confidently stated when asked about his future. His words have been reassuring to the Barcelona faithful, but the lingering contract negotiations cast a shadow of uncertainty over his future.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has also addressed the situation, acknowledging the potential consequences of De Jong’s departure. “Leaving Barcelona would be the last thing he’d want,” Laporta commented. “He’s told me many times how happy he is here. We’re delighted to have him, but we can’t prevent a player from leaving if that’s their wish.” Laporta’s remarks capture the delicate balance Barcelona faces: they are eager to retain De Jong, yet they are aware that his decision ultimately lies in his hands.
Should De Jong decide to leave, it would be a significant blow for Barcelona, both on and off the pitch. His exit would disrupt their midfield structure and force the club to seek a high-caliber replacement. Moreover, De Jong’s transfer would send ripples through the European transfer market, as clubs scramble to secure his services. Barcelona, on the other hand, would be left to rebuild, potentially with the likes of Pedri and Gavi stepping into more prominent roles.
In the end, De Jong’s decision will have profound implications for both Barcelona and the broader football landscape. Whether he stays or goes, the outcome of these contract negotiations will undoubtedly shape the future of the Catalan giants for
years to come.