Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong contract extension stalled by agent dispute

Barcelona midfielder Frankie de Jong‘s contract extension has been stalled due to an unresolved dispute between the player and his agent, despite the Dutch agreeing on new terms.

De Jong’s agent, Ali Dursun, has resisted stepping aside, despite the midfielder and Barcelona reaching a contract renewal agreement in December.

The 28-year-old and the Blaugrana reached an agreement last year to renew his contract.

According to AS, dispute-related issues involving de Jong’s current agent, Dursun, have delayed the finalization of his contract signing. De Jong seeks to change representatives, but Dursun’s lack of cooperation is obstructing the process.

Barcelona aimed to complete the deal by June 30 to align with La Liga’s financial regulations, but the paperwork remains unresolved. Nevertheless, de Jong’s future with the club is assured.

This contract extension is in line with Barcelona’s strategic efforts to lower their wage bill and comply with financial regulations, particularly to achieve the 1:1 spending rule.

His new contract will reportedly include a reduced salary and clear deferred payments from his previous deal.

De Jong’s positive relationship with Barcelona has improved significantly since a turbulent period in 2022 when a potential sale was considered.

Under Hansi Flick’s management, De Jong has rediscovered his fitness and form, reestablishing himself as an important player for the team.

Since joining Barcelona from Ajax in 2019, the midfielder has spent six years with the domestic treble champions and is set to extend his tenure with the Spanish giants this summer.

As one of Barcelona’s top earners, restructuring his contract is a top priority for the club, with all parties eager to resolve matters swiftly to facilitate a renewal.