Here’s a bombshell for football fans: Frenkie de Jong, Barcelona’s midfield maestro, is about to join the ranks of the club’s highest-paid stars. But here’s where it gets controversial—while his new deal aligns him with the likes of Raphinha and Pedri, earning between €18 and €20 million per season, it still pales in comparison to rising star Lamine Yamal’s staggering €40 million gross salary. So, is De Jong’s contract a fair reflection of his value, or is Barcelona playing favorites? Let’s dive in.
According to La Vanguardia, De Jong’s contract renewal, set to be finalized on October 15th, will extend his stay at the club until June 2029. And this is the part most people miss—this agreement marks the end of a years-long saga surrounding his salary adjustments, which began with his 2020 contract renewal. Barcelona has been crystal clear: there will be no deferred payments this time around. The player has already received all pending amounts from his previous deal, ensuring a fresh start.
For months, the relationship between De Jong and the club has been rock solid, with both sides expressing satisfaction over the smooth negotiations. This renewal not only cements the 28-year-old’s financial standing but also simplifies the club’s wage structure, spreading out remaining repayments originally due by 2026 across the new contract’s additional three years. But here’s the kicker—while this move ensures financial stability for both parties, it raises questions about Barcelona’s wage hierarchy. Is Yamal’s massive salary justified, or is it a risky gamble on unproven potential?
Club sources confirm that De Jong’s deferred wages from recent seasons have already been settled, further streamlining the financial arrangement. With his salary now on par with the squad’s top performers, Barcelona is poised to move forward with a balanced and motivated team—at least until 2029. But here’s the burning question—as the club looks ahead, will this wage structure foster harmony, or will it sow seeds of discontent among players? Sound off in the comments—do you think De Jong’s new deal is a win-win, or is Barcelona’s pay scale in need of a rethink?
