Barcelona knows that midfield is the foundation of Xavi Hernandez’s success. For this reason, he has already begun work on renewing one of his key pieces in this line, the Frenkie de Jong . The Dutchman is currently suffering from injury, but it is expected that he will be able to reach El Clasico next October 28 at the Luis Companis Stadium to help the team.
Kohler’s sports administration has been working to renew the midfielder for some time, and hopes to be able to ensure his continuity alongside Gavi and Pedri for many years. But the club’s financial situation does not allow for major excesses, and in addition to restricting the player, they also want to give him a file that falls within the salary limit.
With a contract until 2026, De Jong’s continuity at Barcelona is not in jeopardy. But the fact that his last renewal was with former president Josep Maria Bartomeu, with different financial circumstances, means that his file is much higher than the payroll that the first team currently has. The Dutchman is among the highest paid in the team, along with Robert Lewandowski.
In fact, the Pole could be one of those sacrificed to continue relying on the former Ajax player. He is 35 years old, and the striker does not have several seasons left at the highest level. Joan Laporta knows that if he can only keep one player, the priority will be the midfielder. Especially since the arrival of the pearl Vitor Roque is expected for the striker.
It is clear that the ideal scenario for Xavi is that he can continue to rely on both sides. But at FC Barcelona they realize that the negotiations will not be easy and that De Jong does not seem ready to give up a large portion of the salary he signed for. More, if not, after the bad conflict between club and player last summer of 2022.
In the transfer market, the midfielder was threatened with a move if the salary was not reduced. Manchester United came to offer an amount approaching 100 million euros for his services, but the Dutchman remained firm on his idea of continuing in Barcelona. Finally, the club had no choice but to keep him, much to the relief of Xavi, who relied on him as a key player. More than a year later, after winning the league and the Super Cup, Barcelona hopes to resume talks with De Jong, who still has this matter on his mind.
