Here’s a bombshell for football fans: Barcelona’s captain is about to join the ranks of the club’s highest-paid stars, and it’s sparking conversations about fairness, finances, and the future of the team. But here’s where it gets controversial—while Frenkie de Jong’s new deal aligns his salary with teammates like Raphinha and Pedri (estimated at €18–€20 million per season), it still pales in comparison to rising star Lamine Yamal’s staggering €40 million gross earnings. So, is this a step toward balance, or does it highlight deeper wage disparities? Let’s dive in.
According to La Vanguardia, de Jong’s contract renewal, set to be finalized on October 15th, extends his stay at the club until June 2029. And this is the part most people miss—the deal explicitly excludes deferred payments, a stark contrast to his previous contract, which had been mired in salary adjustment disputes since 2020. Barcelona has confirmed that de Jong has already received all pending amounts from his earlier agreement, effectively starting this new chapter with a clean slate. This marks the end of a long-standing financial headache for both the player and the club.
The relationship between Barcelona and de Jong has been notably strong in recent months, with both sides expressing satisfaction over the smooth progression of negotiations. For the 28-year-old midfielder, this renewal cements his status among the club’s elite earners, though he remains significantly behind Yamal in the wage hierarchy. But here’s the kicker—while the new contract simplifies the wage structure and ensures financial stability for both parties, it also raises questions about how Barcelona manages its payroll in an era of skyrocketing player salaries.
Club sources reveal that de Jong has already been compensated for deferred wages from previous seasons, with those payments settled between last year and the current one. As part of the renewal, the remaining repayments originally scheduled until 2026 will now be evenly distributed across the additional three years of his new contract. This move not only stabilizes the club’s finances but also provides de Jong with long-term security.
With de Jong’s salary now on par with the squad’s top performers, Barcelona is poised to move forward with a motivated and balanced team—at least until 2029. But here’s the question that’s dividing fans—does this renewal reflect a fair distribution of resources, or does it underscore the growing wage gap within the club? And how will this impact Barcelona’s ability to attract and retain future talent? Sound off in the comments—we want to hear your take!
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