De Jong remains opposed to Barça Miami game
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has reiterated his opposition to the club’s upcoming LaLiga fixture against Villarreal being played in Miami, citing concerns over increased travel demands and competitive fairness. The Dutch international, who signed a contract extension through 2029 this week, acknowledged that players must ultimately comply with such decisions despite his personal misgivings.
De Jong publicly criticized LaLiga’s decision to relocate the Villarreal home game to the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on December 20, marking the first time a top-five European league will hold an official domestic match on foreign soil. After months of negotiations and approvals from the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and UEFA, the league confirmed the move as part of a broader strategy to expand its North American presence. Barcelona president Joan Laporta supported the initiative, noting the commercial potential despite respecting De Jong’s viewpoint.
At an event celebrating his contract extension, De Jong stated, “Yes, I still think what I said and that hasn’t changed. But we’re players and at the end of the day we have to play wherever.” The new agreement reportedly adjusts his salary on slightly reduced terms compared to his pandemic-era contract, reflecting Barcelona’s continuing financial restructuring. The Dutch midfielder, signed from Ajax in 2019 for €75 million ($86.86 million), has made over 250 appearances for Barcelona and contributed to six trophies, including two LaLiga titles.
Sources indicate that despite external interest, notably from Manchester United in 2022, De Jong has consistently expressed his commitment to remaining at Barcelona. He also addressed media exaggerations regarding his wages, emphasizing public misconceptions that have affected his reputation: “It was never what was reported. That has affected how some people have viewed me because they read in the papers that I am the top paid player — that’s your fault [the media]!”
Tactically, De Jong’s composure, versatility, and ability to control tempo make him integral to the team’s midfield under current management. His renewed contract aligns with Barcelona’s long-term strategy to blend experienced core players with emerging talent. The club and player share ambitions for further silverware, with De Jong highlighting the Champions League title as a major unfinished goal: “Hopefully I can reach 10 years here [when the contract expires]. And hopefully I can conquer a lot more things here. Of course I didn’t win the Champions League here yet in Barcelona. That is a big goal for us.”
This signing signals Barcelona’s intention to stabilize its squad amid ongoing financial challenges while pursuing continental success, anchoring De Jong as a central figure in their project for the coming decade.