De Jong extends Barcelona contract until 2029

Frenkie de Jong has extended his contract with Barcelona until 2029, the club have confirmed.

The Dutch international's contract with the Blaugrana was set to expire at the end of this season. However, he has signed for a further three years, having played a key role in Barca's recent success under Hansi Flick.

His deal reportedly includes a €500m (£435.3m) release clause, a deal that continues a trend for Barca, who have recently tied several players to contracts with astronomical release clauses.

De Jong arrived at Barca from Ajax after playing a vital role in their run to the Champions League semi-finals in 2018-19.

Champions League glory continued to elude him with Barca, but De Jong is a key part of a team that has once again become one of the most feared in world football under Flick's leadership.

Barcelona midfielder in excellent long-term health

De Jong made 46 appearances in all competitions last season, including 23 as a starter as he competed with Pedri and Gavi for game time in Barca's engine room. He scored two goals and provided two assists, all in La Liga as Flick's men dethroned Real Madrid.

Barca also beat Madrid in a thrilling Copa del Rey final and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League, only to lose an epic match to Inter Milan.

This season, De Jong has started five of Barca's six La Liga games with Gavi out injured.

De Jong has started both of Barca's Champions League matches so far this season, a win at Newcastle United and a home defeat against defending champion Paris Saint-Germain.

The 28-year-old's decision to commit his future to Barca places his midfield in excellent long-term health, with Pedri (22) and Gavi (21) having established themselves as two of the best midfielders in world football.

Barça returns to La Liga against Girona on Saturday.