Barca unable to get new contract done for De Jong, available on free in 4 months

Barcelona and Frenkie de Jong have made ammends in their troubled relationship over the past year, with the Dutchman showing arguably his best form for the Blaugrana over the last nine months. However the much-discussed new contract for de Jong remains elusive.

The 28-year-old was being talked about as a sale this past summer at this time last year, but in recent months, both de Jong and the club have declared an intention to renew his contract. A supposed three-year deal is being negotiated, with an option for a further year.

According to MD, Barcelona have recently restarted talks with de Jong’s new agent Sebastien Ledure. The hold up in negotiations was previously attributed to de Jong’s separation from previous representative Ali Dursun, which required litigation. However their parting of ways is now complete.

The Catalan daily go on to say that despite this, Ladure and Barcelona could not reach an agreement. De Jong will be free to sign a new deal with another club to leave on a free in just four months’ time.

Despite this, de Jong has publicly pledged his loyalty to the club, saying that his intention is to sign a new deal, and that he is happy at the club. As the second-most senior member of the squad behind Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and with the German likely to be benched by Joan Garcia for much of the season, de Jong seems in line to spend much of the season with the armband.

De Jong and Pedri have more or less monopolised the centre of Hansi Flick’s midfield since the Dutch international returned to full fitness. On multiple occasions this season, Pedri has publicly noted how much he enjoys playing alongside de Jong, and his quality with and without the ball.