Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong won't be leaving the La Liga giants anytime soon

The Dutch midfielder, whose current deal runs until June 2026, spoke confidently after a pre-season clash against Seoul. "I'm very happy at Barcelona, and I'll renew soon. Is it nearly done? Yes," De Jong said. This marks the first time the 27-year-old has been so emphatic about staying with the Catalan giants.

De Jong's commitment follows Jules Kounde's announcement that he had extended his contract until 2030, with formalities to be completed upon the team's return to Barcelona. The pair's decisions signal stability for Barcelona, who have secured several renewals in recent months.

De Jong, addressing the media, reflected on his journey at the club. "I've always been happy here, despite tough moments with ankle injuries. I'm content with the club, the way we work with the manager," he said.

Negotiations with De Jong began last season but initially hit snags. However, as the campaign progressed, the midfielder's stance softened, and talks gained momentum. A brief complication arose due to a change in De Jong's agent, but both parties have now found common ground.

The midfielder also weighed in on the swirling debate over Barcelona's captaincy, backing Marc-Andre ter Stegen amid speculation that the German goalkeeper could lose the armband.

"For me, Marc is the captain, as he was last season. He's a world-class player, has been for years, and gives everything for the club. I support him, and so do the team," De Jong said.

His comments are the first public show of player support for Ter Stegen, whose role has been questioned following the arrival of goalkeeper Joan Garcia from Espanyol.

De Jong sidestepped questions about how Ter Stegen has reacted to Garcia's signing, which has sparked talk of a potential challenge to the German's starting spot or even a possible exit.

"Joan has quality, but Marc is world-class," De Jong said, keeping his focus on his captain's credentials.

With De Jong's renewal on the horizon and his vocal support for Ter Stegen, Barcelona are poised for a season of continuity and ambition, though questions over the captaincy linger.