Barcelona identify 26-year-old midfielder as an option after De Jong injury – report

Barcelona identify 26-year-old midfielder as an option after De Jong injury – report Barcelona were dealt a cruel blow at the start of pre-season when it emerged that captain Frenkie de Jong had suffered a medial collateral ligament tear. The Dutchman, who played through the injury at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, possibly aggravating it, is expected to be out for four to five months. De Jong opted against surgery and chose to go with conservative treatment to give him the best chance of returning to the pitch as early as possible. Regardless, for Barcelona and Hansi Flick, he is set to be a huge miss, as the club not only lose one of the best midfielders but also a leader on the pitch. Now, according to Gonzalo Tortosa on El Chiringuito TV , the Catalan club are exploring midfield options to replace the injured Dutchman. Ounahi enters Barcelona’s shortlist On Barcelona’s radar. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) Girona midfielder Azzedine Ounahi is emerging as one of the names under consideration. The Morocco international had a good World Cup that saw his stock rise, and he could be on the move this summer following the Catalan club’s relegation to the Segunda . Barcelona have been linked with other midfielders since Frenkie’s injury, with Rodri the most high-profile name, but the Spaniard looks Real Madrid-bound. Ounahi would represent a very different profile. The 26-year-old is known for his technical ability, progressive carrying and composure in possession. He was one of the breakout stars at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and his stock has only risen ever since. A more affordable alternative? Unlike Rodri, Ounahi would likely be a far more realistic financial opportunity if Barcelona ultimately decide they need a replacement for De Jong. The club’s priority is still to work around a difficult financial situation, and they need to figure out whether they need to spend money in a position where the club have many options. The concern with the Moroccan, however, is that he is not a natural like-for-like for Frenkie, should Barça choose to pursue him. Expected to leave Girona. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) While he may represent a great market opportunity with Girona now relegated, it is still significant money that Barça will need to spend. Ounahi looked close to an Ajax move until very recently, but it looks like his future is very much up for grabs. Barcelona should promote from within Even if Barcelona bring in another midfielder, the club already have several internal alternatives. Marc Bernal and Gavi are both set to compete to become starters alongside Pedri. Marc Casado, Brian Farinas, Xavi Espart and Tommy Marques can all stake a claim for a role. While the Ounahi option might have been tantalising in some other scenario, this is not a bullet that Barcelona must bite. The club have other transfer priorities, like striker and central defender, and that is how it should be this summer.