Barcelona chief makes Frenkie de Jong contract admission after Man United 'transfer green light'

Barcelona sporting director Deco hasn't ruled out a contract extension for long-term Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong.

The Dutch midfielder emerged on United's shortlist in 2022, and in the years after, his services have continued to be touted with a move to Old Trafford. Last summer saw the speculation re-emerge as reports suggested that Erik ten Hag was eyeing some of his former Ajax players to help strengthen the squad, following his contract extension in light of the FA Cup triumph.

De Jong has been recovering from a serious knee injury and made his comeback this season, making four appearances so far. The 27-year-old is one of the Barcelona players who face contract uncertainty as they enter the final 18 months of their current deals.

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Set to become a free agent in 2026, Barcelona will face pressure in the coming months, should they not extend, over ensuring that they recoup a fee for his services following his £65million move from Ajax in 2019.

Deco said: "I repeat, we don't have to individualise because otherwise we would only be talking about renewals. I think they will be done at the right time.

"For me, it is very clear. Apart from wanting to be there, the club also makes the decisions. But now is not the time to be worried about the renewals that are two years away, but first we have to focus on what we have to do.

"In the case of Frenkie, it is a normal process. We have a player who has quality, who is of an important age, who can contribute quite a few things, and within what we can do, we are working on renewals."