Barcelona is reportedly preparing to take drastic action against midfielder Frenkie de Jong if the current contract situation remains unresolved, according to Sport.
Potential Actions Against De Jong
The Catalan club is said to be exploring two extreme options if De Jong refuses to either renew his contract or agree to a transfer before the end of the current season:
- Benching for the Entire 2025/26 Season:
Barcelona is prepared to freeze De Jong out of the squad entirely, which could jeopardize his chances of representing the Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup. - Termination of His Playing Role:
The club is considering relegating him to the stands, effectively sidelining him for the remainder of his contract.
Reasons for Barcelona’s Frustration
Barcelona’s dissatisfaction with De Jong stems from both on-field and off-field issues:
- Lack of Aggressiveness:
The club reportedly believes that De Jong does not display the same intensity and aggression as his teammates, particularly those competing for similar positions. - Contract Stalemate:
The 27-year-old has refused to extend his current deal, which expires in the summer of 2026, raising suspicions that he intends to leave the club on a free transfer.
De Jong is currently Barcelona’s highest-paid player, adding to the club’s frustration as they grapple with financial constraints.
De Jong’s Barcelona Journey
- Transfer History:
- Joined Barcelona in 2019 from Ajax for €86 million.
- Initially signed with Ajax’s U21 squad in 2015 from Willem II for €7.7 million.
- Contract Status:
- De Jong’s current deal runs until June 2026, leaving Barcelona with limited time to resolve the situation.
Implications for Both Parties
Barcelona’s potential freezing of De Jong could severely impact his career trajectory, especially with the 2026 World Cup looming. Meanwhile, the club risks further alienating a talented player who was initially seen as a cornerstone of their midfield rebuild.
This standoff underscores Barcelona’s ongoing financial and squad management challenges, as they continue to navigate a delicate balance between player contracts and performance expectations.
