Frenkie de Jong’s Value Drops €30M in a Year: Barcelona Issues Ultimatum—Renew or Leave

Frenkie de Jong, once regarded as a cornerstone of Barcelona’s midfield, has endured a challenging year plagued by injuries and underwhelming performances. Now 27, the Dutch midfielder finds himself at a crossroads, with Barcelona issuing a clear ultimatum: either extend his contract or leave the club in the summer of 2025.

Injury Woes and a Year to Forget

De Jong’s 2024 was marred by persistent injuries, particularly a nagging ankle issue that sidelined him for a total of 200 days. These setbacks caused him to miss key matches, including the 2024 European Championship, and limited his contributions on the pitch. His diminished role at Barcelona is evident—he has fallen to sixth in the midfield pecking order, behind Pedri, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Fermín López, and Marc Casadó.

The drop in De Jong’s on-field prominence has been matched by a significant decline in his market value. Once valued at €90 million, his price tag has plummeted to €60 million over the past year, reflecting both his struggles with form and fitness.

A Strained Relationship with the Club

According to AS, De Jong’s relationship with Barcelona has soured over time. The club has been open about its desire to offload him, driven in part by financial motives. Barcelona is still grappling with deferred salary payments owed to De Jong from the pandemic period, a situation the club reportedly views as a burden.

De Jong, however, has remained steadfast in his demands. His current contract guarantees him an annual salary of €19 million, and he has shown no willingness to accept a pay cut. Moreover, his deal includes a loyalty bonus of €4.2 million, with an additional €2 million contingent on meeting a 60% appearance threshold this season—a target that injuries have made increasingly difficult to achieve.

Exploring Saudi Options

Adding to the intrigue is the involvement of De Jong’s agent, Ali Dursun, who has reportedly been exploring opportunities in the Saudi Pro League. With its financial clout, the Saudi league represents one of the few destinations capable of accommodating De Jong’s high salary demands. Dursun’s efforts are seen as laying the groundwork for potential future moves, though no concrete offers have yet emerged.

Barcelona’s Two-Track Plan

Barcelona has made its stance on De Jong’s future abundantly clear. The club has presented him with two options: renew his contract or be sold in the summer of 2025. De Jong’s current deal runs until 2026, and Barcelona is determined to avoid losing him as a free agent, which would result in both a financial loss and a missed opportunity to recoup a transfer fee.

If De Jong agrees to an extension, Barcelona could spread his wages over a longer period, alleviating some of the club’s financial strain. However, De Jong has so far shown little interest in negotiating a new deal. This has fueled speculation that he may be aiming to run down his contract, leaving as a free agent in 2026 while pocketing a lucrative signing bonus from his next club.

Critical Months Ahead

The coming months will be pivotal in determining De Jong’s future. With Barcelona unwilling to let him leave for free, the pressure is mounting for the Dutchman and his representatives to make a decision. Meanwhile, Dursun continues to evaluate options across Europe and the Middle East, exploring potential landing spots for his client.

For Barcelona, the situation is a delicate balancing act. The club must navigate its financial challenges while ensuring that De Jong’s situation does not disrupt the dressing room or the team’s broader objectives. For De Jong, the stakes are equally high, as his next move could define the trajectory of his career.

As the clock ticks down, all eyes will be on Barcelona and De Jong to see how this high-stakes saga unfolds. Will the Dutch midfielder commit to a new chapter at Camp Nou, or will he seek greener pastures elsewhere? One thing is certain: the resolution of this situation will have significant implications for both player and club.