Hansi Flick now open to €60m-rated Barcelona captain’s summer sale on one condition | OneFootball

Barcelona have a loaded midfield department at their disposal, consisting of Pedri, Marc Casado, and Dani Olmo, who have established themselves as untouchables in the lineup, along with Gavi, Fermin Lopez, Frenkie de Jong, and Pablo Torre.

Given that there are only three slots available and seven players competing for them, eight if one counts Eric Garcia as an option in the pivot role, it is only natural that some of the stars are left bereft of regular minutes.

Curiously, Frenkie de Jong, once seen as an untouchable in the lineup, finds himself low down the pecking order this season.

Hansi Flick changes stance on Frenkie

As has been reported before, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick admires De Jong greatly and has urged the club to retain him amid question marks over his future.

However, according to SPORT, the German tactician’s stance on the 27-year-old now appears to have changed, with the head coach now open to his summer exit.

As mentioned earlier, the Dutchman is no longer as important to the team as he was before. The internal explanation is that the player is still in the process of regaining his best form after a complicated ankle injury, which is true.

No longer untouchable. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

De Jong does not play with the same confidence he once did, but it is also clear that other players are ahead of him in the rotation, which is going to complicate his present and future at Barcelona.

As such, Flick would not be opposed to De Jong leaving in the summer, but on one condition – that the squad is reinforced with a midfielder who has a more tactical and physical profile

The Barça coach’s main issue is that he has many central midfielders who thrive more as attacking midfielders but lack holding midfielders. Only Casado, who plays every match, fits that profile.

No change in contract situation

Contractually, De Jong’s situation has not changed. There has been no progress, nor has there been any step back regarding his renewal, but his role has changed, and that could lead to reflection from all parties involved.

In fact, Barça consider their initial renewal proposal to be expired, while the midfielder may no longer be as comfortable at the club if he does not have the opportunity to be a starter.

There are still months ahead, but the club’s vision increasingly seems to focus on reaching a favourable agreement for all parties involved, including a potential move at a low price. Regardless, Flick will have to make the final decision.

*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.