De Jong pens new Barca deal to 2029
The Spanish champions Barcelona have revealed that their midfielder Frenkie de Jong has agreed to a contract extension running through to 2029.
This 28-year-old player from the Netherlands moved to Barcelona from Ajax back in 2019 and now enters his seventh year at the Catalan club where he has secured two La Liga championships along with two victories in the Copa del Rey.
The club stated that they believe the midfielder will play a central role in the ongoing athletic initiative thanks to his skill and expertise.
Although De Jong has faced challenges with his performance on occasion he established himself as an essential element in the midfield during the previous campaign under manager Hansi Flick playing beside Pedri Gonzalez.
De Jong shared at a press briefing: "Playing for Barca has been my lifelong ambition and since I am now realising that childhood aspiration I wish to keep chasing it for years to come while aiming to lift more trophies."
Having joined during the tenure of former Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu De Jong ranks among the teams top paid players and reports from Spanish outlets indicate he has agreed to reduced wages in his updated contract effective from the 2026/27 campaign.
De Jong mentioned that earlier coverage in the media about his earnings was overstated and it influenced public perception among supporters.
He clarified: "I am not going to disclose my salary but there has been excessive discussion about it and I believe the figures from my previous pay were greatly inflated."
"It seems that this has somewhat shaped how others perceive me especially when articles claim that Frenkie is earning vast sums or is Europes highest paid footballer... it does make a difference."
In 2022 Barcelona attempted to offload De Jong amid efforts to reduce expenses yet the player stood firm to remain with the side where he has featured in more than 250 matches.
De Jong continued: "My colleagues coaches or anyone at the club do not make me feel undervalued it is largely a matter for the press."
"One of the great aspects of the sport is that individuals are free to voice their views."