No longer untouchable – Barcelona heavyweight’s difficult position raises questions about his future | OneFootball

According to SPORT, there is growing debate surrounding Frenkie de Jong’s future at Barcelona, primarily due to his current contractual situation, as he has yet to renew his contract, and, more significantly, his sporting situation.

It has not been an easy year for the Dutch midfielder, as he has struggled to recover from an ankle injury and is dealing with the loss of his starting position.

No longer a guaranteed starter

Indeed, following his five-month stint out on the treatment tables, De Jong does not have a place in the starting XI. In fact, manager Hansi Flick is trying to reposition him in a more offensive role to give him playing time.

However, the situation could push him closer to a potential exit if he does not feel like a key part of the project. As things stand, he is not considered one of the untouchable players.

De Jong has struggled to recover from his injury, and he still appears to be slightly affected by it. In fact, he will reach the halfway point of the season with only two starts – one in La Liga vs Real Sociedad and another in Europe vs Crvena Zvezda.

No longer untouchable. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

This is a poor return for a player who has been a regular starter in recent seasons under every coach that has been in charge of the club. However, under Flick, this is no longer the case, and it seems unlikely to change.

No place in midfield for De Jong

De Jong has no place in a midfield where Marc Casado has become indispensable. The academy graduate is a key figure in Flick’s tactical setup, and Pedri is an ever-present figure alongside him.

With the arrival of Dani Olmo and the excellent form of the attacking trio, it seems impossible for De Jong to break into the starting lineup.

As such, the situation will need to be reassessed in the summer if he continues to remain on the bench from now until the end of the season.

Barcelona, for their part, are open to all possibilities, but it will be up to the player to take the initiative if he wants to leave. At present, the Catalans consider their previous renewal offer to be expired, as his role in the team has changed from a year ago.

Flick wants him to stay because he appreciates his footballing abilities, but Barcelona are also interested in saving his wages in the final year of his contract.

There is a conflict between the two parties, and the fact that De Jong is not playing regularly could help find a solution that benefits everyone involved.