Hansi Flick has made unexpected changes to Barça’s starting lineup for their match against Atlético, notably in midfield, where both Fermín and Gavi were included at Montjuïc. This decision sends a clear message from the German coach to one of his players, indicating that his time at the club may be coming to an end. The player in question is Frenkie de Jong.
In a crucial match, de Jong has once again been left on the bench, highlighting Flick’s lack of trust in him. Gavi has taken his place, performing better than the injured Olmo. It’s now evident that the Dutch midfielder no longer has the coach’s backing, and Flick has seemingly green-lit his departure.
Frenkie de Jong’s future at Barça has been a hot topic, and it’s clear that he’s no longer part of the club’s long-term plans. Despite reports suggesting otherwise, the reality is that confidence in the Dutch midfielder is minimal, and a transfer will likely be pursued in the next window. While January may be difficult for a move, the club hopes to secure some fee for him in the summer, even if it’s a modest amount, given his decline and lack of importance under Hansi Flick.
Hansi Flick Signals the End for Frenkie de Jong Against Atlético
Joan Laporta has finally made the decisive move regarding Frenkie de Jong’s future. After months of negotiations, the Dutchman’s contract renewal offer has been withdrawn. The Barça president has declared that the proposal, which was on the table last year, is now considered expired and no longer valid.
At the end of 2023, Barça had presented a renewal offer that would have extended his contract until 2029, three more years than his current deal. The proposal did not include a salary cut, meaning he would continue earning his current average, which is higher than originally agreed due to deferred payments. However, with the situation now changed, it’s clear that de Jong’s time at Barcelona is coming to an end.
The plan is straightforward: offload Frenkie de Jong’s high salary. Hansi Flick has made it clear that the midfielder is not part of his plans for Barcelona, and this was again evident in the match against Atlético at Montjuïc. De Jong’s departure seems inevitable; the only remaining question is how soon it will happen.
