The big challenge facing Frenkie de Jong at Hansi Flick's Barça

Frenkie de Jong has a unique opportunity to redeem himself at FC Barcelona. Last season was a difficult one for the Dutchman, who missed several stretches of the season due to his ankle problems and found himself in the 'eye of the storm' due to the information that appeared in the press about his salary and his tense relationship with the Blaugrana club.

Now, under the orders of Hansi Flick in his new project on the Barça bench, the midfielder will seek to redeem himself in the eyes of the Barcelona fans. Since his arrival in Barcelona six seasons ago, the feeling with the footballer is that he has never reached the level he showed at Ajax and that led the Catalans to pay 80 million euros for his transfer.

The performance of the '21' at the club has been very irregular. As a pivot, as an interior or as a centre-back, the footballer has not finished standing out and year after year leaves more doubts than certainties. In fact, after Sergio Busquets' departure, everything pointed to Frenkie taking the reins of the midfield, but the Catalans opted to sign Oriol Romeu and when the Ulldecona native declined, Xavi preferred to bet on Christensen rather than play with De Jong.

A new beginning for Frenkie

Frenkie's new chapter in the City had a 'stormy' start. The footballer could not be available to Flick from the start of his journey due to the ankle injury that kept him away from the dynamics of the group until just over two weeks ago. Once he recovered from this setback, the player played a few good minutes in the Clásico at the Bernabéu, but left much to be desired in the derby against Espanyol.

The Dutchman replaced Marc Casadó and the team fell apart. A situation that puts his status as an undisputed starter in 'check', since the spectacular present of the youth squad player, Pedri and Dani Olmo makes it difficult for the Barça coach to opt to take them out of the starting eleven to the detriment of a Frenkie who is forced to 'press' with a view to the next transfer markets.

And the fact is that De Jong's contract ends in 2026 and his future at the culé team will be decided in the coming months. The footballer would have a renewal offer on the table and must determine whether to renew or if he wants to try his luck in a new horizon.

Clubs such as Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich have tried to sign him in the past and, if they are back on the market, they could go for his signing again. The player has never wanted to leave the Spotify Camp Nou, but the scenario may be different if he stops being a basic piece. The ball is in their court.