Van Basten Calls Out De Jong as Barcelona Pushes Forward: A Tale of Two Realities
14 October 2025
Contract Renewal and the Van Basten Critique
Dutch legend Marco van Basten criticized Frenkie de Jong’s display for the Netherlands, contrasting it with his influential role at Barcelona where he remains central under Hans Flick’s system.
According to Mundo Deportivo, De Jong is set to sign a new Barcelona contract on Wednesday, extending his stay for four more years, through 2029. The renewal aligns with Barca’s ongoing effort to tighten wage bills and adhere to La Liga's financial rules.
The report notes that while the remainder of this season’s pay remains under the old terms, the new salary would take effect from July 1, 2026, as Barcelona budgets for the 2026/27 campaign. The article also states the release clause will rise to 500 million euros, up from 400 million, to deter market temptations.
Van Basten did not mince words: “We expected Frenkie to accelerate play, but he didn’t. It’s disappointing.” He added that De Jong’s role should involve quicker ball progression from defense to attack, a trait Pedri already exhibits with greater aggression.
On the other hand, De Jong has been a pillar for Barca since Flick’s arrival, often anchoring the midfield as part of a double pivot with Pedri. The duo has become the heartbeat of Barca’s possession-based approach, with De Jong showcasing intelligent distribution and composure under pressure that Flick prizes.
The club’s sporting director, Deco, has publicly supported De Jong’s continued presence, saying the Dutch star fits the project beyond mere technique—embodying the discipline and leadership Barca seeks in the locker room. Mundo Deportivo emphasizes that the renewal signals a balance between financial sustainability and sporting ambition, echoing Barca’s broader strategic frame.
The renewal strengthens Barca’s identity as a club that evolves without abandoning its core principles. The article notes that the De Jong-Pedri partnership mirrors the cohesion of Barca’s golden era and seeks to sustain it amid injuries and a heavy fixture schedule.
As for the Netherlands, De Jong featured in a 4-0 win over Finland in Euro 2026 qualifiers, underscoring that his value remains a topic of debate between club duties and national-team responsibilities. The broader message from Barcelona is a commitment to a stable spine across multiple competitions.
Administrative gains and the symbolic value
Beyond the pitch, the renewal is framed as a financial win for Barca. The elevated release clause and salary restructuring are designed to keep big-money interest at bay and preserve a competitive wage structure that allows Barca to register new signings without breaching La Liga limits.
The renewal also carries a symbolic message: Barca remains committed to a midfield identity under Flick, valuing intelligence, composure, and leadership in the locker room. Van Basten’s critique aside, the move reinforces that De Jong remains central to Barca’s long-term plan and a source of stability during a period of transition.
For fans, the pairing of De Jong and Pedri is seen as a bridge between Barca’s recent past and a potential new era, a reminder that the club’s philosophy can survive a busy calendar if it stays disciplined and focused on development. Deco’s endorsement further cements the sense that the club trusts its homegrown engine to drive the project forward.
Two light-hearted closer lines: If De Jong ever learns to sprint like a rumor, we’ll finally have a fast-break worth writing home about. And Barca’s budget is so tight that even their punchlines stay onside—here’s hoping the midfield keeps delivering comedy and quality in equal measure.
