Barcelona schedule Frenkie de Jong contract signing with midfielder all set to pen long-term deal with massive release clause

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Dutchman has reached a full agreement with the Catalan club that will see him stay for the next four years, with the contract set to be signed on Wednesday. The new deal comes with a massive €500m (£426m/$547m) release clause, up from €400m (£341m/$438m) in his previous contract, reflecting his importance to the team.

Under the updated terms, De Jong will continue to earn his current salary for the remainder of the 2025-26 season, with the revised wage structure kicking in from July 1, 2026. The midfielder’s renewal had been delayed due to a change of agents earlier this year but is now complete. At 28, De Jong is set to remain at the heart of Barca’s midfield until at least the age of 32, ensuring continuity for Hansi Flick’s evolving project.

The signing ceremony will take place in the presence of president Laporta, who has personally overseen the negotiations to keep one of Barca’s most valuable assets at the club. Sporting director Deco also praised the midfielder’s contribution, describing him as “a key player for the project” in a recent interview.

De Jong has been a mainstay in Flick’s system, forming a reliable asset alongside Pedri. The duo’s control and creativity have been crucial to Barcelona’s build-up play this season, particularly amid the team’s struggles with injuries and form.

The extension marks a dramatic turnaround for De Jong, who in 2024 was widely expected to leave amid ongoing tension with the board and financial pressure on the club. Barcelona had even considered selling him to Manchester United to ease wage concerns, but the player remained steadfast in his desire to stay. De Jong has since made over 260 appearances and won six trophies, including two La Liga titles.

His previous deal featured deferred payments that inflated his later wages, causing issues as Barca sought to restructure their finances. Despite those challenges, De Jong’s performances remained consistent, evolving from a promising youngster to one of the squad’s senior figures.

With De Jong’s renewal now sealed, Camp Nou can focus on matters on the pitch as they prepare to face Girona on Saturday, October 18. The Blaugrana will be looking to bounce back after disappointing defeats to Paris Saint-Germain and Sevilla before the international break. The Dutchman, fresh from international duty with Netherlands, is expected to play a leading role in midfield once again.

Barca will be without several key players including Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres, while youngster Lamine Yamal, who returned to training, but may be rested as he returns from injury. However, the return of Fermin Lopez provides a timely boost for Flick’s side as they aim to reclaim top spot in La Liga.