Barcelona secured a hard-fought and crucial 1-0 victory over hosts Leganés as part of La Liga action.
With this win, Barça’s tally rose to 70 points, allowing them to hold the top spot in the La Liga standings, while Leganés remain in 19th place (second from bottom) with 28 points.
According to information from the Spanish newspaper ‘‘El Nacional‘‘, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has firmly stated that the future success of the club’s project hinges on retaining one of its key players, Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong. The German coach has directly urged club president Joan Laporta to prioritize renewing De Jong’s contract, which expires in June 2026, emphasizing that any uncertainty around his future is unacceptable.
Flick’s request wasn’t made lightly. Since taking charge, he has identified De Jong as the central balancing figure in midfield, a player with both defensive and attacking qualities, whose tactical intelligence and calm leadership have made him a cornerstone in the coach’s vision, especially with growing challenges on the horizon next season.
According to press reports, Flick has sent a clear message to the club’s sporting department: “Frenkie is untouchable.” This statement sums up the manager’s position, he wants no surprises regarding a player he sees as non-negotiable, at a time when the club is still being forced to make tough decisions on signings and departures due to ongoing financial constraints.
The ball is now in Laporta and Deco’s court. Flick’s message leaves no room for ambiguity: renewing De Jong’s contract is not merely a request, but a strategic necessity. The sooner it’s done, the better for the club’s trajectory.