Frenkie de Jong makes surprise decision on Barcelona future

Frenkie de Jong is ready to end the uncertainty surrounding his Barcelona future by committing to a contract extension, a report has claimed.

De Jong is approaching the final 12 months of his current contract and has long been tipped to leave Camp Nou as part of Barcelona's ongoing attempts to cut costs and raise enough money to finance a summer transfer spree.

Barcelona withdrew a contract offer to De Jong earlier this season after the Dutchman failed to respond to the proposal, seemingly guaranteeing a parting of ways in the summer, but manager Hansi Flick is reported to have convinced those in charge to reconsider their stance.

Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo now state De Jong is ready to complete the U-turn and agree to a new contract.

De Jong is said to be delighted with his role under Flick, who has restored him to the starting lineup in recent weeks after his return from injury, and can envisage a long, successful future under the German in Catalonia.

Talks over an extension are not imminent, however. De Jong and his representatives would prefer to wait a handful of months to allow the Dutchman to further improve his form. Barcelona are happy to wait until the end of the season, which has always been their plan anyway.

If De Jong does extend his deal, he'll be the latest in a growing line of first-team players to put pen to paper. Centre-back duo Pau Cubarsi and Ronald Araujo recently signed new contracts running until 2029 and 2031 respectively, with talented midfield duo Pedri and Gavi following suit.

Barcelona also hope to tie Jules Kounde down to a long-term contract extension, ending any possibility of the Frenchman heading to the Premier League to join Chelsea. The Blues have admired the versatile defender a number of years, dating back to his time at Sevilla, and have previously been tipped to make a €100m (£83.3m) offer.

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