FC Barcelona remain convinced that certain players in the current squad are not necessarily guarantees. Given the quality that the club already has, it makes sense to offload players who do not live up to expectations. However, Barcelona have faced some unique difficulties in doing just that.
The case of Frenkie de Jong, for instance, is proving to be an exceptionally frustrating one. On one side, the Dutchman continues to struggle with his physical fitness and his gradual return to the starting lineup, and simultaneously, he also continues to be one of the highest earners at the club.
Furthermore, there is a belief within the club that the player will attempt to run down his current contract that expires in 2026. After that, he could potentially end up leaving for free to another club while having earned as much as he possibly could have at Barça.
According to SPORT, however, one man who definitely does not want Frenkie de Jong to leave is Hansi Flick. The German coach, despite the midfielder’s physical issues, believes that he can be a key sporting component for his team moving forward once he fully recovers and shakes off his injury problems.
As of right now, the coach is acting as an intermediary of sorts to help all involved parties reach a positive conclusion. For him, there is no doubt about the Dutchman’s quality and he believes that replacing the player moving forward would be a costly endeavour either way.
Previously, however, Barcelona have reportedly already retracted their prior renewal offer to the player. Believing that his new role in the team should result in a renegotiation of his current terms, Barça will not budge until the club manages to have a proper meeting with the player’s representatives in a proactive way.
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BARCELONA, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 30: Gavi of FC Barcelona controls the ball as he warms up prior to the LaLiga match between FC Barcelona and UD Las Palmas at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on November 30, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain.
Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo with Hansi Flick.
Barcelona's German coach Hansi Flick gestures during a press conference of the Spanish league football match between Valencia CF and FC Barcelona, at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona on August 16, 2024.
As time goes on, however, Hansi Flick’s role in these negotiations surrounding the €60 million-rated player may continue to grow. Similarly, the Barcelona coach will be hoping to help the player regain his best version on the pitch as well, which is something that will definitely make it clear whether keeping the player or selling him would be the right call.