Frenkie de Jong New Agent Clears Path for Barcelona Contract Renewal

For months, the future of Frenkie de Jong at Barcelona had been clouded by uncertainty. A contract extension was on the table, both player and club wanted it, but the fine details seemed stuck in limbo. Now, with a major change behind the scenes, the stalemate looks to be finally over. The Dutch midfielder has appointed a new agent, cutting ties with long-time representative Ali Dursun, and that decision could prove to be the breakthrough Barcelona needed to secure his signature on a new long-term deal.

Frenkie de Jong Gets a New Agent

The switch of representation has been described in Spain as the missing piece in the puzzle. According to Mundo Deportivo, De Jong has turned to a Dutch agent who wasted no time introducing himself to the Barcelona hierarchy. His first stop was a meeting with sporting director Deco, where both sides outlined the desire to move forward quickly and finish what has dragged on for far too long.

Barcelona had actually hoped to finalise De Jong’s contract extension before June 30. That date was crucial because of La Liga’s strict financial regulations. By getting the deal done before the end of the fiscal year, the club could have neatly balanced their 1:1 spending ratio. Instead, the impasse with his former agent left the agreement on hold, adding another layer of stress to a board already juggling registrations, departures and incoming deals.

Now, though, with the agent drama out of the way, Barcelona are confident they can move swiftly. The proposed agreement is clear: a two-year extension on top of De Jong’s current contract, keeping him at Camp Nou until 2028. There’s even an option for another year, stretching his stay until 2029.

Why the Wages Matter

One of the main talking points has been De Jong’s salary. He is among the highest earners in La Liga, with a gross annual wage of around €19 million (£16m/$22m). The only player ahead of him at Barcelona is Robert Lewandowski, whose staggering €33 million (£28m/$38m) package towers over everyone else.

Given the club’s ongoing financial struggles, it’s no surprise that Barcelona pushed for a reduction in De Jong’s wages as part of the extension. Reports suggest that the midfielder has agreed to this adjustment, prioritising long-term security and his role in the project over holding out for the very top bracket of pay.

For fans, that compromise speaks volumes. At a time when financial loyalty is rare, De Jong’s decision signals his commitment to Barcelona not just as an employer, but as the club where he sees his prime years unfolding.

A Comeback Season Under Flick

Vissel Kobe v FC Barcelona – Preseason Friendly jong

De Jong’s 2023/24 campaign was far from straightforward. An ankle injury sidelined him for around six months, an absence that left Barcelona without their most stable presence in midfield. When he returned, however, he showed exactly why the club were so desperate to get him fit again.

Under Hansi Flick, De Jong became the heartbeat of the midfield once more. His vision, composure under pressure, and ability to link defence with attack allowed Barca to steady themselves in the second half of the season. Flick, who values positional discipline but also encourages freedom for technically gifted players, quickly identified the Dutchman as a pillar in his system.

Despite competition from younger talents like Gavi, Marc Casado and Marc Bernal, De Jong has retained his status as a guaranteed starter. More than that, he has become part of the leadership group inside the dressing room — a responsibility that reflects both his experience and his growing influence off the pitch.

Stability at Last for Barcelona’s Midfield

Barcelona’s summer has been dominated by tough decisions around player registrations and potential exits. Oriol Romeu’s future has been debated, Iñaki Peña has drawn interest from other clubs, and youngster Héctor Fort is another case the board has to carefully manage. Against that backdrop, resolving De Jong’s situation provides much-needed stability.

With his renewal in place, Hansi Flick can now build his midfield around a player who offers reliability in both quality and mentality. That security was visible in Barcelona’s opening game of the new La Liga season — a 3-0 win over Mallorca. De Jong played the full 90 minutes, orchestrating from deep and ensuring the tempo remained firmly in his team’s control.

The timing could not be better. With a new season underway and Flick still shaping his side, having De Jong tied down until at least 2028 allows everyone to breathe a little easier.

The Bigger Picture

For Barcelona, this contract is about more than just securing a player. It’s about sending a message. Amid financial struggles and ongoing squad adjustments, the renewal of a world-class midfielder shows that the club can still hold onto its most important assets.

For De Jong, the extension represents the chance to fully embrace his role as a leader in the post-Busquets era. No longer the promising arrival from Ajax in 2019, he is now entering his peak years at 28. The expectation is that he will not just play but also guide the next generation of Barcelona midfielders.

Looking Ahead

Frenkie de Jong Barcelona 2024

As things stand, Frenkie de Jong’s new contract should be finalised in the coming weeks. Once signed, it will be a signal of long-term commitment on both sides. The Dutchman gets the security he has been waiting for, while Barcelona get the stability and leadership they need at the heart of their midfield rebuild.

For supporters, it is a welcome resolution after months of speculation. The saga dragged on too long, but with a new agent steering the negotiations, the path is finally clear. Now, the focus shifts back to the pitch — where De Jong, fully fit and fully committed, can continue to be the pivot around which Barcelona’s present and future revolves.