Barcelona has re-affirmed its intention to keep hold of the key midfielder, ensuring that he does not want to leave the club on a free transfer in 2026 when his current contract runs out.
The midfielder is reportedly highly committed to the Catalan giants and wants to remain at Camp Nou for extra years.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the player is Frenkie de Jong.
It is a welcome boost to Barcelona, who saw the 27-year-old become a regular again under new manager Hansi Flick this term.
The Dutch midfielder, who arrived in 2019 from Ajax in a €75 million transfer, has been said to have asked his agent, Ali Dursun, to open contract renewal negotiations with the club instead of seeking free agency.
De Jong’s transfer is his gratitude to the club for its huge investment in him five years ago, as well as his willingness to be part of Barcelona’s project.
His transfer puts an end to rumors of him following in the footsteps of other star players who have departed the club on free transfers in recent years.
After some uncertainty of his immediate future at Barcelona amid their era of economic downturn, De Jong has developed to be an integral part of the midfield machine in the team.
His technical prowess, ball control mastery and game-controlling skills have made him a vital player in Flick’s team.
The player’s commitment comes at the time when Barcelona are trying to build a competitive squad besides eradicating their ever-present financial woes.
As negotiations are expected to escalate over the next several months, Barcelona fans will be delighted with De Jong’s exhibition of commitment.
Barcelona’s board will now do their best to sign a contract that is favorable to both, one that holds one of their most precious treasures at the head of their roster for many years to come.
With him the most veteran player in the squad at only 27, De Jong’s experience could be a deciding factor as Barcelona works on reclaiming its place at the top of the European football elite.
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