Barcelona will reportedly prioritise agreeing to a new contract with 28-year-old Dutch playmaker Frenkie de Jong over a new contract.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Frenkie de Jong faces an uncertain future at FC Barcelona after entering the final 12 months of his contract. That has compelled the Blaugrana to prioritise securing a new long-term contract with the Netherlands international to avoid losing him for free in next summer’s transfer window.
What further complicates matters is the growing interest in the Dutchman, with Manchester United and Bayern Munich interested in signing him next year. However, Hansi Flick considers de Jong an indispensable part of his squad, thus asking Barcelona to tie him to a new contract.
Frenkie de Jong and his Barcelona career so far
Frenkie de Jong has re-established himself as a pivotal figure for Barcelona after overcoming his injury nightmares in the last 12 months. The 28-year-old has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining the Blaugrana from Ajax in July 2019. However, despite everything, the player has been one of the most reliable performers for Barcelona in the last half a dozen years.
The Dutch playmaker has made over 250 appearances thus far for Barcelona while chipping in with 19 goals and 23 assists. However, de Jong faces an uncertain future at the Catalan club after entering the final 12 months of his contract with the Blaugrana. Meanwhile, the player has no shortage of suitors pursuing his signature, with Manchester United and Bayern Munich keen on signing him.
A man in demand
Frenkie de Jong has been on Manchester United’s radar for a long time. The continued interest is understandable, considering Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte are not long-term solutions in the middle of the park for the Red Devils. Additionally, Bruno Fernandes is on the wrong side of 30, and the Barcelona playmaker is his natural successor in the role Ruben Amorim has used him in thus far.
As for Bayern Munich, Vincent Kompany has a stacked midfield unit. However, the Belgian tactician can do with more progression and creativity from the middle of the park. So, the 28-year-old Dutchman is a viable target for Bayern Munich.
Meanwhile, Hansi Flick has pushed Barcelona to offer a new deal to the Dutch midfielder for several months. So, it is hardly surprising that the reigning La Liga champions are prioritising a renewal with de Jong. However, it will be interesting to see if Bayern Munich or Manchester United can turn his head in the coming months.