Frenkie de Jong contract extension delayed due to dispute with agent months after midfielder and Barcelona reached agreement

De Jong and Barcelona reached an agreement months ago to renew his contract. However, according to AS, bureaucratic issues with his current agent, Ali Dursun, have delayed the final signing. The midfielder wants to switch representatives, but Dursun has not cooperated and is holding up the process. The Catalan giants hoped to complete the deal by June 30 to better manage their finances under La Liga’s rules, but the paperwork is still pending. Despite this, De Jong’s future at the club remains secure.

This contract extension is part of Barcelona’s broader plan to reduce their wage bill and meet financial requirements, especially to match the 1:1 spending rule. The Dutch international's new contract reportedly includes a reduced salary and clears deferred payments from his previous deal.

His relationship with the club has significantly improved after a rocky spell in 2022, when the club considered selling him. With Hansi Flick now in charge, De Jong has regained fitness and form, becoming a vital player again.

The 28-year-old has been at Barcelona since 2019, with the upcoming season marking his seventh at the club. He wore the captain's armband in the most recent El Clasico and had previously missed part of last season due to injury. However, he finished the campaign strongly, delivering a series of impressive performances. As one of Barca’s highest earners, restructuring his contract has become a key priority for the club.

The Spanish champions remain optimistic about finalising the renewal. Once De Jong’s agent switch is complete, the contract is expected to be signed swiftly. It will help the club free up budget space and reinforce the team as they prepare for the new campaign under Flick.