Barcelona’s preparations for the 2025/26 campaign are already in full swing under manager Hansi Flick.
With the club still grappling with La Liga’s financial fair play rules, player salaries and registrations remain a central focus for Deco and the sporting department.
Young talents like Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi are also being fast-tracked into bigger roles.
Meanwhile, the recent potential signing of Nico Williams has reignited hope for a dynamic new front line next season at Montjuic.
And behind all this movement, one player’s presence continues to bring calm and control to Barcelona’s midfield – Frenkie de Jong.
The Dutchman has emerged as a vital cog in Flick’s early tactical blueprint, especially during the club’s stunning turnaround in the second half of the 2024/25 season, which saw them clinch the La Liga title.
De Jong’s elegance in possession and tactical awareness have earned him the full trust of Flick, who reportedly believes the team plays its best football when the 28-year-old is orchestrating from deep.
Despite being linked with a move away in previous seasons due to Barcelona’s financial woes, Frenkie de Jong has consistently insisted he wants to stay, resisting pressure even when the club was actively seeking to sell him.
With his contract entering its final year and his deferred wages from the COVID-era agreement nearly paid off, De Jong’s financial footprint at the club is more sustainable.
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Both Deco and De Jong’s representatives have reportedly held initial discussions over a contract extension, with optimism on both sides regarding a new deal, as per The Athletic.
No agreement has been finalised yet, but the club has not felt the need to rush, as their primary focus has been registering new arrivals and renewals under the league’s salary cap rules.
Still, the expectation is clear – De Jong is staying put, with Barcelona viewing him as central to their new project under Flick.
As other stars come and go, the Dutch maestro looks set to be the glue in a reimagined Barca midfield.
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