Barcelona continued on Tuesday evening to the semi-final of the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund, despite a disappointing 3-1 defeat. It ended a 24-game unbeaten run for the Blaugrana, and despite the fact that they were back in the last four in Europe for the first time in six years, there was little pleasure for the Catalan giants.
Manager Hansi Flick admitted that he had to remind his players of their performance after the game when the dressing room was suppressed, disappointed in their performance. That included Frenkie de Jong, where the Dutchman explained that instead of happiness felt relieved. He described the total victory over Dortmund as 'bittersweet', and acknowledged that Barcelona is much more capable.
He was also asked about his contract situation. The 27-year-old plays his best football for Barcelona, and much of the conversation in recent months about him is aimed at his turning point in the club. With Hansi Flick who supports him, and De Jong back in the starting XI, it seems that Barcelona will offer him a new deal. That said, director of Football Deco has made it an unofficial policy to prevent each player from starting the last year of their deal. De Jong's contract will be in 2026, and if the two parties cannot agree to a new one, De Jong will be offered for sale.
“I have always said it, I am very happy that I play in Barcelona,” De Jong told Marca after the victory of Dortmund.
“We are in the final phase of the season, so we are not focused on that. There will be time for that.”
This looks somewhat like reports that De Jong and Barcelona approached a new deal. His agent, Ali Dursun, apparently regular contact with the club, but if one of the highest earners it will not be easy negotiation.
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