De Jong Locks It In: Barcelona Sustainably Keeps Its Core Until 2029

De Jong commits to Barcelona through 2029

The Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong has confirmed that he has no plans to leave Barcelona or seek a fresh challenge in the Premier League, after renewing his contract with the club through 2029.

De Jong is enjoying one of his best spells since arriving from Ajax in 2019, and he spoke during an ESPN interview conducted while with the Netherlands in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers.

The decision to sign until June 2029 came after a long period of reflection, especially after recovering from an ankle injury sustained early in 2024, his first season under coach Hans Flick.

He said: "Strategically, it isn’t smart to extend a contract during a dip in form, better when you’re at your best. But my desire to stay has always been there. When I signed my first deal with Barcelona, I hoped to play here for 10 or 12 years, and it now seems that will become a reality."

De Jong, who has worn the Barcelona shirt in 270 official matches, said he feels fully integrated in the city and in the club's sporting project, adding that his family is happy here and that the future looks bright.

Regarding a future move to the Premier League, he said: "Do I need to go to the Premier League to prove myself? No, I don’t think so. I have received a few offers there, but I am happy at Barcelona. The Premier League is the best in the world today, but that doesn’t mean you have to play there to show you’re a great player."

He also recalled a funny moment about English players’ view of Barcelona: "When Cucurella was at Brighton, he told me many English players said their dream was to play for Barcelona or Real Madrid. For me, that had been my dream since childhood."

Asked whether he has overtaken Dutch teammate Ronald Koeman in appearances for Barcelona, De Jong smiled: "Have I overtaken Koeman in Barcelona appearances? He still has more Champions League titles than me, so I still have some catching up to do (laughs)."

He also discussed the rising Dutch talent Kis Mut, whom Koeman compared to Pedri, saying: "Yes, I have seen him play. He has great talent, but he’s still very young. It’s not wise to hype him up or raise expectations too soon. He’s talented and could become great, but we should let him develop."

He wrapped up with a note of patience: "Let him enjoy football, and we’ll see how he evolves over time."

Premier League not a target; Barça’s project remains the priority

From a coaching perspective, Hans Flick sees De Jong as a player who blends tactical intelligence with composure under pressure, and who can unlock lines with deep, precise passes.

These traits have helped the Dutchman be among the most consistent performers this season, despite injuries at the start of last year.

Barcelona’s sporting director Deco voiced full support for keeping De Jong, stressing that he is central to the project not only for his quality but also for embodying the club’s values of commitment, professionalism, and leadership in the dressing room.

The renewal is presented as a clear mutual vote of confidence: the club showing it wants its core player, and De Jong reaffirming loyalty to the club that trusted him since his move from Ajax.

The relationship with Barcelona endured moments of doubt in 2022 when the club attempted to sell him to ease financial strain, but his persistence and belief in his ability helped him become a symbol of stability within the squad.

As he approaches his 29th birthday in May, De Jong stands at a mature crossroads that blends European experience with an ongoing eagerness to improve and contribute to Barça’s project on the field and in the locker room.

Two punchlines to close on a lighter note: 1) If patience were a weapon, Barca just loaded the long-range edition—shooting for 2029 in style. 2) De Jong’s contract is so long that even his milestones come with a built-in warranty. Sniper precision meets football longevity.