Barcelona’s pre-season schedule under Hansi Flick has offered tantalising glimpses of a high-tempo system that appears increasingly in sync with the club’s traditions.
The German coach’s emphasis on vertical passing and aggressive pressing has helped the Catalans sweep aside early opponents while bedding in academy prospects hungry for minutes.
Contract renewals have become an equally hot topic at the Ciutat Esportiva, with directors keen to protect the long-term core before the campaign kicks off.
Supporters have also monitored the financial recovery plan approved at the recent assembly, hopeful it will allow key figures to remain without jeopardising the club’s compliance status.
Against that backdrop, an update concerning the team’s beating heart could not have arrived at a better moment.
Frenkie de Jong stepped off the pitch in Seoul having dictated the tempo, intercepted danger, and driven forward with an energy that belied the oppressive humidity.
Minutes later, when asked about his future, he responded with the assurance culés craved.
“Yes, I’m gonna sign new deal with Barcelona,” he declared, according to Fabrizio Romano’s via X, before adding, “I’m very happy at the club, I didn’t sign yet but it’s gonna happen.”
Those simple words reverberated around social media, instantly calming fears that another contractual saga might drag into the winter.
His statement also reaffirmed the player’s own perception that the current project under Flick is worth investing his peak years in.
Internally, executives regard the agreement as a cornerstone of the sporting plan that now aims to blend home-grown talent with a sprinkling of elite experience.
Coaches have privately praised the midfielder’s growing defensive output, crediting Flick for encouraging him to step into passing lanes and shield the back four.
Data from last season underline that evolution, with his successful tackles and interceptions per 90 both climbing into La Liga’s top bracket for deep playmakers.
Leadership has also emerged as a defining trait, the armband sitting comfortably as he barked instructions and calmed frenetic moments during the run-in.
Only the formality of signatures and registration remains, though sources expect a swift conclusion once final legal language is approved by all parties.
The proposed extension is believed to reward performance while preserving financial flexibility, a balance the board views as vital in the current economic climate.
Once ratified, attention can shift fully to on-field ambitions, allowing the supporters to park any lingering doubt and rally behind their on-field conductor.
With the contract distraction cleared, Flick can focus on refining automatisms in midfield triangles that already appear more cohesive by the day.
Barcelona’s engine room looks set to remain powered by its most reliable component, and the timing could not be more perfect as silverware targets come back into sharp focus.
🚨🔵🔴 Frenkie de Jong: “Yes, I’m gonna sign new deal with Barcelona”. 🧨🇳🇱
“I’m very happy at the club, I didn’t sign yet but it’s gonna happen”. pic.twitter.com/SsayLydrrV
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 31, 2025
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