Frenkie de Jong "at war" with Barcelona board

Frenkie de Jong is facing mounting tensions at Barcelona following a lacklustre return from a long ankle injury layoff, according to SPORT. Strained relationships with the club's board members, sporting director Deco and president Joan Laporta, alongside concerns over his recovery and contract situation, have fueled speculation about his future.

The report from SPORT mentioned that De Jong hasn't yet hit full recovery, despite the fact that he has made several appearances ever since returning from the injury layoff. De Jong has not quite looked the part since returning, with his physical condition as well as his underwhelming displays convincing people that the player still needs time to get back to his best. The club doctors have even advised the Dutch international to undergo a surgery so that the player can overcome his woes once and for all, a suggestion De Jong has rejected, much to the board's dismay.

Barcelona believe the 27-year-old intends to depart for free in 2026 since he has not responded to their offer of a contract renewal. The way the present board has treated De Jong, who sees him as a remnant of former president Josep Bartomeu, has left him unimpressed and considering his options.

Relations have been strained by previous attempts to dispose of him and the disclosure of his contract information. De Jong is unlikely to leave the club until an offer from elsewhere matches his current salary and includes a signing bonus, even if Barcelona may try to sell him to save money.

The scenario is made more complicated by Hansi Flick's involvement, who is determined to revive him.

De Jong will hope to feature in Barcelona's upcoming fixture, which is against Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park on Wednesday, December 11.