Barcelona made a significant move forward in the Champions League yesterday with a 3-0 victory over Brest. In a match where Hansi Flick’s team demonstrated strength and resilience, the midfield, led by Pedri, stood out with an exceptional performance as he reached the peak of his brilliance.
Alongside him, Dani Olmo delivered an impressive display, contributing not only through his creativity but also by scoring a goal, which highlighted his seamless integration with the team.
In the second half, Gavi, who came on as a substitute, showcased his usual presence, further solidifying the German coach’s confidence in the young midfielder’s abilities.
However, while some players are flourishing, others, according to information from the Spanish newspaper “El Nacional”, appear to be on their way out.
One of the key moments of the match involved Frenkie de Jong, whose time at Barcelona seems to be running out. The Dutch midfielder, who played only five minutes during the match, was met with boos from the Barcelona supporters, reflecting the disappointment with his current form. Far from being the game-changer the club signed years ago, his influence on the team has diminished considerably.
With the emergence of young, promising talents in midfield like Pedri, Gavi, new signing Marc Casado, and the in-form Dani Olmo, De Jong’s role has been significantly reduced. He is no longer living up to expectations, placing him in a challenging situation within the squad, where Flick no longer considers him a central figure in his plans.
The German coach has emphasized that internal competition is fierce, and at present, De Jong is not meeting the expected standards. While Pedri controls the tempo with his tactical intelligence, Gavi adds energy and aggression, and Dani Olmo enhances creativity and contributes goals, De Jong has gradually been relegated to a substitute role, and his impact on the team has dwindled.
Furthermore, the financial aspect adds pressure to the situation. With one of the highest salaries in the team, De Jong’s continued presence has become a financial strain on the club. As a result, Barcelona’s board is contemplating the possibility of his departure, either in January or at the end of the season, in order to ease the financial burden and search for a replacement that aligns with the club’s future plans.
The future seems increasingly clear: Barcelona now has a more dynamic midfield that suits the style Flick aims to implement. In this context, it appears there is no place for De Jong in this new system. His departure, which once seemed unlikely, is now becoming a more tangible reality.