Overview
- De Jong returned to Barcelona after the Netherlands' World Cup exit on June 30 and more than six weeks later is still refusing the knee surgery the club wants despite limited improvement.
- Barcelona's medical and sporting staff say conservative treatment has been exhausted and want surgery so they can begin a staged rehabilitation with defined dates and milestones.
- The player and club disagree about when the agreed four‑week conservative window began, with De Jong counting from his return to training and Barcelona saying the clock started earlier.
- The standoff complicates Hansi Flick's midfield planning because De Jong could miss roughly three to six months depending on treatment, and Barcelona is preparing registration measures and possible FIFA compensation if surgery creates a long-term absence.
- The dispute follows cautious management of De Jong's fitness since February 22, adds pressure to transfer planning including the potential arrival of Rodri, and raises questions about the Netherlands' medical handling of the injury.