Barcelona set Frenkie de Jong contract deadline to avoid free transfer

Barcelona have set a firm deadline for Frenkie de Jong to decide on a contract extension in Catalonia.

The Dutch star has returned to action in recent weeks, following a long standing ankle injury which cut short his 2023/24 campaign, and forced him out of UEFA Euro 2024.

Despite optimism during preseason, De Jong's fitness remained a constant concern, and Hansi Flick was forced to plan without him at the start of the campaign.

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His return to the first team is a key boost for the former Bayern Munich boss, who is confident he can play a vital role, but the club are concerned over his contract situation.

De Jong's representatives have been locked in talks over deferred wages which the former Ajax playmaker passed on during the Covid-19 pandemic.

A resolution has not be reached on that issue amid rumours the club hierarchy want to sell him to avoid a pay out.

Previous reports indicated the club would offer a wage settlement package, but with the condition of De Jong accepting a transfer exit in 2025, but that has since been rejected.

As per a fresh update from Diario Sport , Barcelona want a quick answer in January, as they remain open minded on keeping the 27-year-old.

Frenkie de Jong's Barcelona contract, transfer status

De Jong's current deal at Barcelona runs until the end of the 2025/26 season but Barcelona want a call to be made, either before the start of 2025, or the end of January at the latest.

As the situation continues to develop, De Jong has been forced to reject claims over his wage demands, and the rumour that he is the club's highest paid player.

Barcelona want to package the owed wages into a new contract, to spread the overall cost, but there has been little movement on De Jong's end, as he focused on his recovery.

Sporting Director Deco and Flick remain hopeful on an agreement, but the clock is ticking over the club's offer to keep him, as his contract moves towards its final 18 months.