Deco sees Barcelona midfielder as ‘cornerstone’ of the project, wants to finalise renewal in January

Earlier today, reports emerged claiming that FC Barcelona sporting director Deco has established initial contacts with midfielder Frenkie de Jong over his contract renewal.

It was also claimed that the first impression after the initial talks was positive, with both parties keen on continuing their partnership.

De Jong: The cornerstone of Barcelona’s new project

Now, Ferran Correas of SPORT has provided more details on the discussions between Deco and Frenkie de Jong with regard to the contract renewal.

The Netherlands international’s current contract with Barcelona runs until the summer of 2026 and the idea is to prolong it by two more years until the summer of 2028.

The report states that Deco spoke to De Jong after his injury against Celta Vigo. Apart from asking about his condition, the sporting director also conveyed the message about the extension.

Stating that he is seen as a key cog at the club, Deco is understood to have told De Jong something along the lines of: “You are the cornerstone of this project.”

The former Portuguese international also told the midfielder to forget everything that had happened back in the summer of 2022, when the club had tried to force him out.

Plan to finalise renewal in January

De Jong also shared the same enthusiasm about the contract renewal as he is said to have told Deco that he is very comfortable at Barcelona, both club and city.

With the player also on board, Deco has already contacted the midfielder’s agent, Ali Dursun to further the negotiations.

Both Deco and Barça wish to make it clear to the player and his agent that the renewal is not being done for FFP reasons but because he is a vital part of the team.

The idea is to negotiate in the coming months and finalise the contract renewal in January and tie everything up around or soon after the winter transfer window.