Barcelona president Joan Laporta has stated that the club will do everything possible to keep Frenkie de Jong for a longer period. The Dutchman's contract expires after next season.
Barcelona is entering a crucial phase of its long-term sporting project, and at the heart of their plans is Frenkie de Jong.
With the Dutch midfielder's contract set to expire at the end of the 2025–26 season, the club is making every effort to secure his future at the Camp Nou. President Joan Laporta made it clear in an in-depth interview with Mundo Deportivo that the Catalan giants are not only keen to retain De Jong, but that they consider him a pillar of their future success.
"Frenkie has always been one of my favorites," Laporta said with sincerity. "He’s the kind of player who keeps the essence of Barça alive on the pitch. He understands our footballing philosophy deeply possession-based, intelligent, elegant, and fast-moving because he comes from the Ajax school, which mirrors many of our core values. Players like him are not easy to find. He’s not just a technical player; he has personality, resilience, and leadership."
Although De Jong struggled at times this season, dealing with an ankle injury and the team's inconsistent performances, Laporta believes those challenges have only strengthened the midfielder’s character. "It’s true that he had a difficult spell the injury, the pressure, and the feeling of frustration when the team wasn’t winning. For players like Frenkie, who hold themselves to such high standards, that can weigh heavily. But he's back now. Fit, motivated, and mentally strong."
Laporta continued: "What makes Frenkie special isn’t just his ability to pass or dribble. It’s his intelligence. He knows when to speed up play, when to pause, when to break lines. He reads the game three steps ahead. He controls the tempo of a match and that’s a trait very few players in the world possess. That’s why, for us, he’s not just a midfielder. He’s the engine."
Despite previous speculation linking De Jong with high-profile moves to clubs like Manchester United and Bayern Munich, the Dutchman has remained loyal to Barcelona. This loyalty, Laporta says, speaks volumes. "When we were under financial pressure, and other clubs came knocking with tempting offers, Frenkie stayed. He made it clear he wanted to succeed here, not somewhere else. That kind of loyalty is rare in modern football, and we haven’t forgotten it."
Currently, negotiations for a contract extension are ongoing, but they’ve been slightly delayed by what Laporta described as "personal and professional matters" that De Jong is in the process of resolving. "We’re giving him the time he needs," the president explained. "These are important decisions, and we want him to feel comfortable. But our intention is firm: we want him to stay, and we’re willing to make the effort that’s necessary to make it happen."
Internally, Barcelona views De Jong as a future captain. His quiet authority, dedication in training, and professionalism off the pitch have made a lasting impression on the coaching staff and board alike. He’s also seen as a bridge between generations a player who has played alongside veterans like Sergio Busquets and Gerard Piqué but also someone who can mentor younger talents like Gavi, Pedri, and Fermín López.
Beyond tactics and talent, De Jong's presence represents continuity. At a time when Barcelona is preparing for a new era with a temporary stadium move, financial restructuring, and the search for a long-term head coach players like De Jong offer much-needed stability. His renewal would not just be a sporting victory; it would be a message to the footballing world that Barcelona is still able to retain its elite core and build something meaningful.
The club’s fans also share a strong bond with De Jong. Despite not always being used in his best position, he has rarely complained. Instead, he’s adapted playing as a centre-back when needed, taking on more defensive responsibilities, or pushing forward depending on tactical demands. His humility and team-first attitude have earned him the respect of the Camp Nou faithful.
Looking ahead, Laporta is optimistic. "Frenkie is entering his prime. The next five or six years will be his best as a footballer. We want those years to be here, at Barcelona. We’re building a team that can win again in Spain and in Europe and Frenkie is at the heart of that vision."
Laporta concluded with a sense of conviction: "We are Barcelona. We’ve gone through difficult times, but we are recovering. Keeping players like Frenkie de Jong is a symbol of that recovery. He represents not only what we were, but what we want to become again. That’s why his renewal is more than a contractual matter it’s a statement of intent."
As talks continue, Barcelona fans will be watching closely. In an era where loyalty is rare and financial decisions often override sentiment, Frenkie de Jong could become the exception a player who chose legacy over money, and Barcelona over the easy way out.
