Barcelona begin talks with ‘untouchable’ midfielder to restructure contract, lower salary

Journalist Fernando Polo has written for Mundo Deportivo that Barcelona have begun talks with midfielder Frenkie de Jong to restructure his contract just like they did with club captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen a few days back.

Joan Laporta, FC Barcelona president, showered accolades upon the unsung hero, ter Stegen after the keeper agreed to restructure his entire salary in order to help the team sign players.

“Marc’s football level is 10. We owe him the gesture he made when retouching his contract because it allowed him to register other teammates. “I see him happy and we want to enhance the happiness of these players. For me, he is the best goalkeeper in the world,” said the president.

The president’s announcement created a buzz of anticipation as he teased what lay ahead. For that matter, De Jong, the midfield maestro, is the next star on the horizon. 

With a cheeky wink and a nod to the audience, the president revealed that discussions have already commenced to revamp de Jong’s contract. However, unlike the previous case, the club was determined not to exert any undue pressure on the midfielder.

De Jong’s presence is important

Despite acquiring Ilkay Gundogan and Oriol Romeu, it goes without saying that de Jong’s importance is simply unmatched at Barcelona.

Now, there was a time when the team wanted to push him out to Manchester United due to financial difficulties, but everyone involved is over that incident. Xavi wants de Jong and the midfielder wants Barcelona, end of the discussion.

It must be noted that de Jong’s ongoing deal with Barcelona runs until 2026, but considering his high salary, Barcelona are desperate to lower his package and only a new contract will allow them to do so.

For now, though, the thought has been passed across the player’s ears and Barcelona are certainly not pressurising him to act on it.