Barcelona reach ‘verbal agreement’ to extend midfielder Frenkie de Jong’s contract

Barcelona have reportedly reached a “verbal agreement” with Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong to extend his contract until 2029, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

De Jong’s contract at the Camp Nou will expire in the current season, and he is now expected to sign a further four-year contract to stay with the Spanish champions.

Barcelona’s sporting director hinted at a new contract for the sensational midfielder late last month, with the midfielder yet to put pen to paper on new terms.

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Deco revealed that negotiations are taking place and is optimistic that a deal will be agreed soon.

Now, Fabrizio has confirmed that a verbal agreement is in place for the 28-year-old to continue his career with the Catalan club.

It’s only a matter of time for both sides to assess all the paperwork and sign the contract extension.

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The dynamic midfielder’s new contract is expected to come with reduced weekly wages, following the club’s revelation of De Jong’s new release clause in his protracted contract in March.

De Jong experienced a frustrating start to the 2024-25 season as he dealt with ankle issues, but he has bounced back in recent months, convincing Hansi Flick to give him more playing time.

The idea has always been for de Jong to stay with the Blaugrana club, and this has been the case for over two seasons now, amid strong speculation of his departure, and Manchester United being linked with the player in almost every transfer window.

Hansi Flick’s side is grappling with off-field financial challenges, diligently seeking effective ways to boost revenue and reduce costs, thereby strengthening the Catalan club’s financial position.

Read more: Barcelona reveal Frankie de Jong’s new release clause