In a surprising twist, Barcelona’s 7-1 victory over Valencia in La Liga has brought about a change of heart from manager Hansi Flick regarding Frenkie de Jong’s future at the club. After months of uncertainty surrounding De Jong’s role, Flick, who had previously shown reluctance to fully rely on the Dutch midfielder, has now given him a larger role in the team.
De Jong’s recent performances in the midfield have impressed Flick, especially in fast-paced games where his dribbling and ball distribution have been crucial. Flick has personally communicated to De Jong that he sees him as a key part of the squad moving forward, at least until the end of the season. This shift in perspective has raised speculation about the possibility of a contract extension for De Jong, whose future at Barcelona was once in doubt.
The Dutch international, who had been considering leaving in the summer, is now focused on maintaining consistent playing time and securing his place in the starting lineup. If he continues to perform at this level, he could become a vital player for Barcelona as they aim to compete on multiple fronts.