Barcelona Captain in the Firing Line as Hansi Flick's Trust Wanes
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has lost faith in captain Frenkie de Jong, making a summer exit for the Dutch midfielder a real possibility. According to Gerard Romero, Flick is no longer convinced that De Jong should remain a key part of his plans.
The relationship between Flick and De Jong began to deteriorate last season, when trust between the midfielder and his manager started to fade. This uncertainty has been ongoing since the closing stages of the 2025/26 season, when De Jong was injured during the World Cup.
Barcelona are currently monitoring De Jong's recovery from the knee injury he suffered during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, concerns over his future are no longer linked solely to his fitness. Instead, it's his recent performances and overall role within the squad that have raised questions about his long-term future at the club.
Flick's opinion of De Jong changed significantly after the Dutch international decided not to feature in Barcelona's UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg against Atletico Madrid in the 2025/26 season. Despite receiving medical approval, De Jong preferred not to take any unnecessary risks, a decision that significantly altered Flick's opinion of the midfielder.
Barcelona's stance on De Jong's future has shifted in recent windows. While he was previously considered untouchable, the club is now open to selling him if a suitable offer arrives during the summer transfer window. This marks a significant change in stance, with the club now prepared to part ways with the midfielder.
The Dutchman remains one of the senior figures in the dressing room, but his current knee injury has already left Barcelona waiting for clarity over his return. Now, uncertainty over his place in Flick's long-term plans has only added more tension to the situation.
The latest development comes just days after reports claimed that the relationship between Flick and De Jong had deteriorated, raising questions over the long-term future of one of Barcelona's most experienced players. As the summer transfer window approaches, Barcelona fans will be eagerly waiting to see what happens next in the De Jong saga.
Source: Yahoo Sports
