Frenkie de Jong has gone from being on the verge of being moved on from Barcelona last year to becoming one of the club’s most important players in the middle of the field.

Before suffering an injury in the match against Celta Vigo, the 26-year-old Dutchman had been particularly successful in this season’s competition. It was believed that the presence of Oriol Romeu in the role of defensive midfielder had enabled the Dutchman to play with greater freedom.

In light of the fact that he has developed into an essential component of Xavi’s plan, Barcelona is eager to extend his current contract in the next weeks and months.

Initial communication has been established.

According to a report by Fernando Polo of Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have every intention of awarding Frenkie de Jong a fresh contract extension that will last at least until the year 2028.

The midfield maestro’s current deal with the La Liga champions is set to expire in the summer of 2026. He signed a lucrative renewal in 2020 that puts him among the highest earners at the club, and he has a contract that is set to expire at that time.

And Barcelona are eager to lock down his future with a longer contract, with prior reports indicating that it might be at a lower income, just like they did with Marc-Andre ter Stegen. This is something that Barca are interested in doing.

According to the report, new sports director Deco has already established initial contact with De Jong to discuss the club’s plans. This was done in order to convey the information.

After the midfielder suffered his injury, the former Portugal international got in touch with him to offer his support and let him know that the Blaugrana are interested in extending his current deal.

Frenkie de Jong is an important member of Barcelona’s roster. (Image by PAU BARRENA/AFP and made available here courtesy of Getty Images))

During the conversation, it is believed that Deco made it abundantly plain to De Jong that the move is not being undertaken in order to produce Fair Play margin but rather is being motivated only by sports considerations.

The story goes on to say that the vibes from the early talks are positive, which makes sense considering that De Jong is very pleased at Barcelona and would be open to the prospect of extending his contract there.

The following step will involve conversations with the broker.

As was stated previously, De Jong is content playing for Barcelona and has expressed a desire to remain with the club even after he and his partner have established themselves in the city.

Recent comments made by De Jong regarding the possible extension of his term include: “My contract renewal? My agent will see to it, but in the meantime, I’m content where I am. 

Deco’s first interactions with the player went well, so their next step will be to open negotiations with the midfielder’s agent, Ali Dursun. This will be done as soon as possible.

The director of Barcelona is not in a hurry to complete the transaction right away, but he does want to finalize the contract extension by next summer. At that point, De Jong will have two years remaining on his present agreement.