Barca consider €80m release clause in De Jong's new contract

Barcelona's sporting director Deco has resumed negotiations with Frenkie de Jong's representatives to finalise a new contract for the 27-year-old midfielder. De Jong, whose current deal expires in 2026, has become a crucial player under manager Hansi Flick, forming a formidable midfield trio alongside Pedri and Dani Olmo.

The Catalan giants' proposal aims to maintain De Jong's current salary of around €19 million per year but with a restructured payment plan that increases performance-based variables.  A release clause of €80 million, which is reasonable considering De Jong's current performance level, is one of the key components of Barca's offer. 

This clause would follow the precedent set in Ronald Araujo's recent contract renewal, potentially allowing flexibility for both the club and the player in the future.  De Jong has expressed his satisfaction with life at Barcelona and his desire to contribute to the club's promising young squad, which includes emerging talent from La Masia. 

Despite previous tensions over his high wages and deferred payments from the pandemic era, De Jong has consistently affirmed his commitment to Barcelona, describing it as the "club of my dreams".  As the season nears its conclusion, Barcelona are keen to finalise the deal, aiming to secure key players for Flick with contracts extending beyond next year.