Frenkie de Jong joined Barcelona in 2019 with high hopes, bringing the creative spark he’d shown at Ajax. The Dutch midfielder’s passing ability and calm under pressure seemed tailor-made for a club that once prized fluid movement above all else.
He has since collected a LaLiga trophy, a Copa del Rey, and a Spanish Super Cup, but he admits that’s far fewer titles than he expected. “When I signed for Barcelona, I didn’t imagine that I’d have only one league, a Copa del Rey, and a Spanish Super Cup after four years,” he said. “I expected at least double.”
Some believe he remains central to Barcelona’s aspirations, but others point to ongoing ankle issues and an extended spell on the bench as reasons for his possible exit. The club’s financial constraints add another layer of complexity. A move might free up space on the wage bill and allow Barcelona to reinvest, which is no small matter at a time when every decision has repercussions for both the balance sheet and the trophy cabinet. De Jong’s earlier transfer from Ajax cost the Catalans around $82 million, and his wage is among the highest at the club.
De Jong’s Lingering Decision
Over the years, he has been linked to several Premier League sides, including Manchester United and Liverpool, and Bayern Munich once showed an interest in bolstering its midfield with his skill set. Yet De Jong insists he won’t leave just for the sake of it. “People think I want to stay at Barcelona forever because life outside football is so good here, and it is, but what happens on the pitch is more important,” he said. “If I felt that I can’t contribute enough, or if the team can’t compete, I’d be gone.”
Injuries have complicated his progress and, at 27, he’s reached a critical stage of his career. He’s aware time is ticking. The coach, Hansi Flick, has left him on the bench for some recent games, raising speculation about whether De Jong’s role in the squad remains essential. Fans still debate if the club made good on its promise to build around him. The midfielder once saw Camp Nou as a place to thrive, but it hasn’t always fulfilled his early expectations.
These days, he appears torn between the memory of boyhood dreams and the practical demands of being a professional athlete who wants to win. His contract runs until 2026, so Barcelona will expect a transfer fee if he departs, though how much another team might pay remains in question.
For now, De Jong says he’s focused on playing again and seeing how the club envisions his place. If performances don’t improve soon, the Dutchman might be forced to decide if he’ll keep chasing the success he once believed was guaranteed.
