Barça have a problem with Frenkie De Jong and it could get more serious with time

Barcelona have had a good start to the 2023/24 La Liga season, with 3 wins and a draw in their first 4 games. This has allowed them to be close to the leaders, Real Madrid, in the standings and the fans are excited to be able to compete with the best clubs in Europe in the Champions League starting next week.

The team's performances have lived up to expectations, as the new signings have fit in well with the squad, while the stars who were already at the club have maintained their level. One of those who stood out the most in the first few games of the season is Frenkie De Jong. The Dutch player was key last year and Xavi Hernandez kept him in the team for this new tournament, despite the arrival of other midfielders such as Oriol Romeu and Ilkay Gundogan.

This prompted the Spanish side's chiefs to initiate contract renewal talks. Although De Jong has a contract until June 30, 2026, Los Blaugranas want to avoid problems in the future and already negotiate an extension until 2028. But so far they have not found positive answers.

According to Sport newspaper, Frenkie is in no hurry to start negotiating the renewal of his contract, as there is still a long time to go before it expires and he is satisfied with the money he is earning now. This season his salary, plus some bonuses he will receive, will be more than $28 million gross.

For Xavi it is very important

The coach considers Frenkie De Jong an irreplaceable player. His talent, positioning ability, intelligence, vision and versatility are qualities that Xavi values in the Dutch midfielder. In the previous season he played 43 games between La Liga, Copa del Rey, Champions League and UEFA Europa League. And at the start of the current tournament, he was part of the starting lineup in every game.