The renewal of Frenkie de Jong, a key issue at Barcelona

He has already taken a step forward in terms of leadership and ascendancy within the team, but Frenkie de Jong's start to the 2023/24 season has been superlative. Positioned at the base of the box midfield, whether accompanied by Oriol Romeu, Gavi or Gündogan, the Dutchman is enjoying himself. And he is making Xavi's team play and thrive. 

The Terrassa coach is delighted with this version of the former Ajax man. He divides better than ever before, he is getting in between the centre-backs, he is vital in the creation of the play. And the truth is that it seems that both Romeu and 'Gundo' have somehow 'decongested' Frenkie. Especially Ulldecona, a tireless worker, positional and corrective. Working and providing balance so that the talent flows up front. 

The player's current contract expires in 2026. In that sense, in terms of duration, there is no concern. The renewal signed in 2020, in the midst of the economic crisis due to the cataclysm suffered by COVID, made Bartomeu's board take hasty decisions. 

The club's objective now is to propose to Frenkie an extension similar to the one signed with Ter Stegen. A contractual extension in terms of dates and a distribution of the economic amount to help 'alleviate' the club's battered coffers. 

The problem is that relations with the player and his agent are not at their best after the pressures of last summer. Manchester United made a strong bid for the Dutchman and the club, which needed money, pushed hard. Frenkie stood firm, but, logically, a wound was left open. 

One positive thing is that back then the interlocutor was Mateu Alemany. Now a new 'agent' comes into play, Deco. It could be a good starting point to begin to heal and for the talks to move towards a successful conclusion. There is still a long way to go. 

The player was clear after the game against Antwerp: "My renewal? I'll let my agent deal with that, but I'm very happy here". Xavi, for his part, could not have been clearer: "Frenkie de Jong is a key player for us. I think he's in the best moment of his career.... He is growing a lot. I would renew him with my eyes closed.