The draw against Real Betis raised many questions about the Catalan team’s defensive performance this season, and some voices have started to call for the departure of one of the players due to his poor form.
According to information from the Spanish newspaper “El Nacional,” Frenkie de Jong’s future at Barcelona is increasingly uncertain. The main reason for this is the exceptional performances of both Pedri and Gavi, who have become irreplaceable in the starting lineup and have proven to be the true driving forces behind Hansi Flick’s team.
Pedri is simply performing brilliantly. At only 22 years old, he has reached impressive levels of play, becoming the mastermind of the team in both attack and defense. Pedri has proven himself to be a pivotal player in the squad, thanks to his insightful vision of the game, passing accuracy, and ability to decide matches, which has made him an essential part of Flick’s strategy. Alongside him, Gavi has returned strongly after recovering from injury, bringing strength, character, and renewed energy that motivates the rest of the team. Together, the duo form an unstoppable partnership, leaving little room for other midfielders.
Frenkie de Jong’s recent performances have not helped his standing in the team. His underwhelming displays, coupled with mistakes like the penalty he gave away in the draw against Real Betis, have sparked criticism and doubts about his future. Even Flick, who initially placed his trust in him, now seems to be losing faith in the player. According to sources close to the club, the German coach no longer sees De Jong as a key player in his plans.
Despite the length of the season and the need to rotate the squad for all competitions, having such a competitive midfield, with Flick’s clear preference for Pedri and Gavi, makes De Jong’s future at Barcelona increasingly complicated. The club, alongside Deco, who is responsible for sporting operations, is likely to listen to offers for the player in the upcoming transfer window.
The message inside the dressing room is clear: with Pedri, Gavi, and promising alternatives, Barcelona appears to have solidified their midfield. For now, De Jong seems more like a spectator in this story than a hero.