Barcelona secure midfeild ace until 2029 with fresh ‘reduced wages’ contract

Barcelona appear close to securing Frenkie de Jong’s future after progress in talks with his representatives. According to Mundo Deportivo, the Catalan club have offered the Dutch midfielder an additional three seasons on top of his existing deal, taking his contract through to 2029.

The current agreement runs until 2026, but there has been a clear desire from both sides to extend that commitment. Discussions with De Jong’s new agent, Sebastien Ledure, have moved positively and Barcelona sources suggest the framework of the contract is in place, with only smaller variables left to finalise.

Joan Laporta, president of Barcelona, sounded optimistic in an interview with RAC1. “The renewal with De Jong is being worked on. Deco has done an extraordinary job. We said we did not want any player whose contract ends this year, but we made an exception with De Jong because he changed agent. He is motivated, even says he sleeps despite having recently become a father. We expect good news soon.”

At 28, De Jong is already one of the senior figures in the dressing room, wearing the captain’s armband and carrying responsibility on and off the pitch. His partnership with coach Hansi Flick has been particularly important. Flick views him as a crucial pivot in front of the defence, a role he has consistently filled when available.

Barcelona’s sporting leadership, including Laporta and Deco, are aligned in the belief that De Jong remains fundamental to the project. “He is motivated, his commitment is total and his relationship with his teammates and coach is excellent,” sources told Mundo Deportivo.

The club’s proposal includes reduced wages compared to his current terms, although this season he will still receive payments linked to deferred salaries from the Covid period. From 2026 onwards, the new structure will begin, ensuring his earnings remain competitive while also aligning with Barcelona’s financial planning.

Crucially, both sides are said to be in agreement over the salary framework, which has allowed negotiations to accelerate. For De Jong, the willingness to remain at Barcelona is unquestionable. He sees his long-term future at the Camp Nou and appreciates the trust placed in him by the hierarchy and coaching staff.

The only notable delay in negotiations came when De Jong switched representatives, appointing Sebastien Ledure. This required a pause in discussions while Barcelona adjusted, but the director of football Deco has since held multiple meetings with Ledure and the dialogue has been productive.

Barcelona’s ambition has always been to secure De Jong’s services well into his peak years. By extending until 2029, the club are hoping to protect their midfield core and send a message of stability as they look to compete in LaLiga and Europe.

The news of Frenkie de Jong’s imminent renewal will be hugely pleasing for Barca fans. Supporters have long admired his composure, passing range and ability to dictate tempo in midfield. For many fans, the Dutchman represents the ideal Barcelona player, technically gifted yet committed to the team’s values.

The offer of three more years demonstrates the club’s faith in him. Even with the financial restructuring involved, the fact that De Jong is willing to accept a reduced salary after 2026 shows his attachment to Barcelona. Fans often worry when stories emerge about Premier League clubs monitoring him, but this agreement looks like it will finally put those rumours to rest.

De Jong’s leadership qualities are also vital. With young players continuing to emerge, having someone of his experience guiding them is invaluable. He already carries the armband, and extending his contract feels like a statement that he will remain central to the next era of the club.

In truth, many Barcelona supporters will see this renewal as almost like a new signing. It secures one of the most important pieces of the midfield puzzle and provides reassurance at a time when the club is rebuilding both financially and competitively. If confirmed soon, it will be one of the most welcome announcements of the season.