Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong could reportedly perform a U-turn on his future and sign a new contract with the Blaugrana amid links with Liverpool.
The Netherlands international's current terms only run until the summer of 2026, and it was recently reported that Barca could let him depart for as little as €35m (£29.2m) at the end of the season.
De Jong's future at Camp Nou has been clouded in uncertainty for some time, as he was memorably the subject of a long-running pursuit from Manchester United in 2022, one that ended in failure.
The former Ajax man subsequently reaffirmed his commitment to Barcelona on several occasions, but he has only been a bit-part player in the 2024-25 season with a mere two starts in La Liga.
The emergence of Marc Casado has forced De Jong to take on a more peripheral role at Barcelona this term, and Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been tipped to offer him an escape route from the Spanish giants.
De Jong to perform 'complete U-turn' on Barcelona future?
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However, a report from Sport claims that the Dutchman could instead perform a 'complete U-turn' and agree to a new deal at Camp Nou, and head coach Hansi Flick is pushing for his renewal.
The former Bayern Munich boss handed De Jong one of his two La Liga starts this term in the 7-1 win over Valencia on January 26, where he wore the captain's armband and also chipped in with a goal.
Flick is now reportedly preparing to gradually increase De Jong's game time further, and he is driving the effort for the Blaugrana board to agree fresh terms with the midfielder before the summer.
De Jong's progress over the past year has been hampered by a series of ankle injuries, but Flick is supposedly still of the belief that he is one of the best midfielders on the continent when fully fit.
Sporting director Deco apparently remains in touch with De Jong's representatives over a new deal, even though a previous renewal offer is now considered 'expired', and 'progress' has been made in efforts to retain his services.
Barcelona's 'main problem' in De Jong talks revealed
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The 27-year-old has not signed a new deal at Barcelona since 2020, a few months on from agreeing to defer a part of his wages while the club navigated the COVID-19 crisis.
De Jong is apparently set to receive a 'significant' portion of that deferred salary next season, and those outstanding monies are currently the 'main problem' when it comes to keeping him at the club.
However, Barcelona are hopeful that they can overcome the obstacle with the offer of a new long-term deal for De Jong, who would receive those payments over the course of a few years.
The Netherlands international has contributed 19 goals and 22 assists in 235 appearances for Barcelona since joining from Ajax in 2019, winning the La Liga title, Copa del Rey and two Supercopa de Espana crowns.
Barcelona have recently agreed new deals with Gavi, Pedri and Ronald Araujo, and the Blaugrana are also believed to be planning fresh contracts for Robert Lewandowski and Inigo Martinez.
Ben Knapton
