Transfer Talk: Barca, De Jong face tough renewal talks

For the main leagues in Europe, the summer transfer window is now closed, but there are still deals in the works and a lot of rumors going about. Transfer Talk provides you with the most recent news on rumors, arrivals, departures, and, of course, completed transactions!

In order to relieve financial strain on the team, Barcelona is anxious to secure a new deal for midfielder Frenkie de Jong, according to Sport.

The 26-year-old, whose contract expires in 2026, has started all five of Barcelona’s La Liga games this season and in the Champions League and has been a vital member of manager Xavi Hernández’s team thus far.

In order to adhere to financial fair play regulations, Barcelona is currently preparing to offer De Jong another wage decrease. In line with goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen’s new contract, this cut would be made. Prior to this season, the 31-year-old goalkeeper agreed to a new contract until 2028 that deferred a sizable portion of his pay to help free up salary cap space.

The difficulty in coming to an arrangement with De Jong, however, largely stems from the tense relationship between the club, the player, and his representatives. Despite having a new agency, the Netherlands international is still allegedly bitter at being forced to sign with Manchester United last summer despite wanting to stay at Camp Nou.