Barcelona star stalling contract talks since November 2023 as future remains undecided - Reports

Barcelona and Netherlands midfielder Frenkie de Jong is yet to commit to the club with contract talks reportedly stalled for nearly a year. The future of the Dutchman, who is currently out with injury, with the Blaugrana seems uncertain.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are eager to tie the midfielder down to a longer contract, with his current deal running down in 2026. However, these efforts have been rebuffed by the Dutchman, who is currently out of action with an ankle injury.

Barcelona had reportedly offered a contract to De Jong in November 2023 and are still awaiting a response to it. The club are said to be running impatient after a lack of response from the midfielder on the renewal terms. As the contract winds down, the Blaugrana are becoming more open to exploring alternate options.

The report adds that if the contract stand-off continues, De Jong is likely to be put up for sale at the end of the season. The club have also been linked with Bayern Munich's versatile midfielder Joshua Kimmich as a potential replacement for the Netherlands international.

De Jong joined Barcelona from Ajax in 2019 in a deal reportedly worth €75 million, signing a 5-year contract with the club. He impressed in the first year itself and received a contract extension in the second season on improved terms till 2026.

Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman provides fitness update on the Barcelona midfielder

Frenkie de Jong has made 213 appearances for the Catalan club, scoring 17 goals and providing 21 assists so far. He had an injury-plagued season last year with frequent ankle issues.

Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman, who is with the national side for their UEFA Nations League matches, offered an update on the midfielder's fitness. Speaking to the press, the former Barcelona and Ajax midfielder admitted that De Jong's injury is worrying.

"That is worrying. I understand that he is getting better and better, but he is not yet fully fit," Koeman provided an update on his star midfielder's fitness (via Barca Blaugranes).

He called for patience to help the talented midfielder recover completely, highlighting the extent of the damage he has suffered on his ankle.

"He [De Jong] has had three nasty ankle injuries in a row. There is damage there and it takes time to recover," Koeman added. "It takes a long time, but let’s hope that he recovers fully."

De Jong, who was left out of the international squad to aid his recovery, has been injured since April and missed the Netherlands' semi-final run in the 2024 Euro.