It has been some time coming but FC Barcelona midfield star Frenkie de Jong is finally fit to play again. The 27-year-old Dutchman made his much-awaited return after a long injury layoff against Young Boys in the Champions League.
After the game, Frenkie admitted that he was surprised by the standing ovation and rousing reception that he got from the Montjuic on his return. The 27-year-old hasn’t always been treated fairly by the Blaugrana faithful.
Much has been made of how much Frenkie earns at Barcelona and the fact that he is yet to sign a contract renewal with the club despite the fact that it ends in 2026. However, Fabrizio Romano has now offered a reassuring update on his future in his Daily Briefing Column. Here is what the reliable Italian journalist had to say:
“There are no movements expected in January for Frenkie de Jong despite contractual rumors in the Spanish media, it’s completely quiet. There’s nothing in it.”
“He’s still very happy at Barcelona and fully focused on recovering his best form after the injury. All the rest – Chelsea, Man United – is just speculation, nothing else. I repeat, no transfer movements around de Jong.”
This would come as a welcome boost to Barcelona fans that Frenkie is not expected to go anywhere in the winter. Of course, the next step would be to convince him to put pen to paper on a new contract at the club.
Transfer window after transfer window, Frenkie is one of those players always linked with an exit from the club. However, the Dutchman has made it clear on numerous occasions that he is very happy at Barcelona and that likes the club.
There is a feeling that since signing from Ajax, Frenkie has not realized his complete potential at Barcelona. While there might be some truth to such claims, it must be said that the Dutchman’s contributions are not valued enough.
Frenkie has been a good servant for Barcelona and under Hansi Flick, he could take his game to the next level. Like Raphinha, let’s hope the 27-year-old is able to completely win over the fanbase and stay fit for the rest of the season and beyond.
