Barcelona do not rule out former captain’s exit amid long-term injury – report

Barcelona do not rule out former captain’s exit amid long-term injury – report Frenkie de Jong has had a difficult few months at Barcelona ever since he returned after the World Cup. The Dutchman played through a medial collateral ligament injury at the tournament without knowing its extent. When he returned for his medical at Barça , it emerged that the injury was serious and that he would be out for the foreseeable future. The Catalan club have since gone on to sign Rodri from Manchester City, with the 30-year-old emerging as Barcelona’s marquee signing this summer. Hansi Flick also removed him from his list of provisional captains ahead of the Gamper, handing the armband to Raphinha. Now, according to ElDesmarque , Barça are keeping the door open to a possible Frenkie de Jong departure before the end of the window. Barça not closing the door on a sale Barcelona not ruling out an exit. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) The Dutchman still has a strong reputation in the market and could emerge as an opportunity for interested clubs. De Jong’s injury has complicated the situation considerably, but it has not completely removed the possibility of an exit. The report claims Barcelona would be willing to consider offers if a suitable proposal arrives, especially given the increased competition in midfield and the growing importance of Marc Bernal. By the time De Jong returns, Flick may have already settled on a different structure in the middle of the pitch. Injury makes deal difficult, but interest remains The obvious obstacle is De Jong’s physical condition. Any club looking at the 29-year-old would have to accept the risk of signing a player who is currently unavailable, making a permanent transfer difficult to structure. However, the report insists De Jong still has admirers despite the injury. De Jong is currently recovering from a knee injury. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Juventus are mentioned among the clubs to have shown interest , while a loan with an option to buy is presented as one possible solution if a straight transfer proves unrealistic. That type of formula would allow Barcelona to reduce salary commitments immediately while postponing the final decision over his future. De Jong is unlikely to want to move When fit and in form, there are few midfielders in the world who are better at what they do than De Jong. Despite his injury issues, he continues to be an exceptional midfielder who is capable of contributing something to Flick’s team. Even with Rodri arriving at the club, the Dutchman’s versatility allows him to operate further forward alongside the Spaniard. It gives Flick the flexibility to play a classic 4-3-3 with Rodri, Pedri and De Jong as his midfield, and that would provide a lot of balance to Barça. The Dutchman is unlikely to want to leave this summer, even if the club are looking at options, and it would be a surprise to see this deal go through between now and the end of the window.