Barcelona make shock Frenkie de Jong transfer U-turn | OneFootball

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has convinced the Catalan giants to keep hold of the divisive midfielder Frenkie de Jong, according to a report in Spain.

De Jong's Barcelona future has been mired in uncertainty for years. The club's delicate financial situation has been strained by the swollen salaries dished out to players signed under the previous, free-spending presidency, with the Netherlands international regularly singled out for his hefty wage - unfairly or otherwise.

The sporting director of Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad, Ramon Planes - who also happens to be a former Barcelona director - admitted that there have been multiple discussions surrounding a move for the midfielder.

The player himself has only provided cryptic updates regarding his future, but Flick is adamant that De Jong will remain a key figure in his plans, according to SPORT.

The Dutchman has a deal at Barcelona until 2026, but the club have been trying to renegotiate his existing terms with an extension for the past year. After no response from De Jong's camp, Barcelona reportedly put the 27-year-old up for sale.

Flick disagrees with that stance and is slowly easing the deep-lying playmaker back into the fold after a ruinous run of injuries. The confidence of his manager and a return to the starting XI are both factors which could help persuade De Jong to stay.

SPORT revealed that Barcelona have offered their player a long-term agreement which spreads his salary and the payments he deferred during the COVID-19 pandemic over several years. De Jong has been reluctant to put pen to paper thus far.