Barcelona Negotiates Frenkie De Jong Renewal Amid Agent Dispute

FC Barcelona is cautiously managing the contract renewal of midfielder Frenkie de Jong, whose current deal expires in June 2026. Despite de Jong's expressed desire to continue with the club and his regained form under coach Hansi Flick, the renewal is complicated by his ongoing legal separation from his agent Ali Dursun, which has stalled contract negotiations. Barcelona is not in a hurry to close the deal, partly because they have sufficient midfield coverage with players like Gavi, Marc Bernal, and Marc Casadó, the latter of whom is expected to leave in January, potentially solidifying de Jong's role. The club plans to offer de Jong a new contract until 2028 with deferred wages to align his salary with other top earners, but no agreement is imminent. Meanwhile, Barcelona is also working to renew goalkeeper Iñaki Peña's contract before potentially loaning him out to boost his market value, showing a strategic approach to player development and financial management. Overall, Barcelona is balancing patience and prudence in contract talks while preparing for different scenarios, including de Jong possibly leaving for free.