Barcelona cannot formalize renewal for De Jong due to dispute with former agent
Barcelona has been forced to delay the renewal of midfielder Frenkie de Jong’s contract due to an ongoing legal battle involving the Dutch player’s former agent, Ali Dursun. The club intended to offer a multi-year extension, but talks have stalled until the off-field issue is resolved.
According to reports from Mundo Deportivo and journalist Fernando Polo, Barcelona planned to propose a deal extending De Jong’s stay at Camp Nou until 2029, with two guaranteed years and a third based on performance. However, legal complications are preventing the formalization of any offer.
Legal Situation Blocks Contract Talks
The main obstacle lies in the fact that De Jong currently has no official representation, as he is involved in a legal dispute with Dursun, who previously managed his interests. President Joan Laporta is reportedly prepared to intervene directly, hoping to unlock the situation and proceed with the renewal once the issue is settled.
Barcelona views De Jong as an essential part of their midfield, especially with manager Hansi Flick beginning to implement changes to the squad ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Flick Demands More from De Jong
Despite the club’s backing, Hansi Flick has privately expressed a desire to see De Jong improve defensively. While his technical quality and passing range remain undisputed, the German coach reportedly wants the midfielder to raise his intensity and tactical awareness, particularly in deep midfield roles.
During Barcelona’s recent 3–1 win over Vissel Kobe, De Jong played 45 minutes and showed some signs of improvement:
- 3 out of 4 ground duels won
- 1 tackle made
- 1 interception completed
- SofaScore rating: 7.0
Flick has praised De Jong’s ability to support younger players like Marc Casadó, but expects more consistency from the Dutch international going forward.
De Jong’s Future Still Tied to Camp Nou—for Now
De Jong’s current contract runs until June 2027, but the uncertainty surrounding the renewal has sparked transfer speculation. However, Barcelona has no plans to sell the midfielder unless negotiations collapse entirely. With the player valued at approximately €70 million on the market, any potential sale would only occur under exceptional circumstances.
