Deco regards the Barcelona midfielder as the "cornerstone" of the project and aims to complete the contract renewal in January.

 

Frenkie de Jong, who is considered a crucial element of Barcelona's new project, has discussed his contract renewal with Deco in more detail, according to Ferran Correas of SPORT.

De Jong's current contract with Barcelona is set to expire in the summer of 2026, and the plan is to extend it for an additional two years, until the summer of 2028.

Deco spoke to De Jong after his injury in the match against Celta Vigo. In addition to inquiring about his condition, the sporting director also broached the topic of contract extension.

Highlighting De Jong's pivotal role at the club, Deco is said to have conveyed a message along these lines: "You are the cornerstone of this project."

The former Portuguese international also advised the midfielder to put behind him everything that transpired in the summer of 2022 when the club attempted to push him out.