Frenkie de Jong asking price slashed as Barcelona prepare to sell midfielder after falling out of favour under Hansi Flick

The Catalan club sought to extend his contract, which runs until June 30, 2026, during the previous season, but according to reports from Mundo Deportivo, the renewal efforts have since been shelved due to a lack of response from the player. This has left his position within the team increasingly precarious. Once a fan favourite, he no longer commands the same admiration or sense of indispensability he did upon joining the club.

Barcelona's midfield is now stacked with young talent, leaving De Jong struggling for consistent game time. The emergence of players like Marc Casadó, Pedri, Gavi, Fermín López, and Dani Olmo has pushed the Dutchman further down the pecking order. Even Marc Bernal, currently sidelined with an injury, is regarded as a key player and could be well ahead of De Jong in the hierarchy. While De Jong's technical abilities are not in question, his inability to consistently deliver high-intensity performances demanded by Flick has raised concerns, which has prompted the club to consider selling him to avoid losing the player for free in 2026.

Barcelona believe they could secure a transfer fee of at least €20 million for the midfielder, despite his recent struggles. However, should De Jong resist a transfer, Barcelona might impose harsh measures, including reducing him to a bench-warmer. This could significantly impact his preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as he remains a regular for the Dutch national team.

Despite his current predicament at Barcelona, De Jong is likely to attract interest from clubs across Europe or in Saudi Arabia. His age, combined with his proven quality at the international level, makes him an appealing option for teams seeking midfield reinforcements. However, Barcelona’s evolving priorities suggest a changing tide for the Dutch midfielder’s career at the club.