Barça has secured a place in the Spanish Super Cup final after clearly defeating Athletic Club in the semifinals. Goals from Gavi and Lamine Yamal were enough for Flick's team to seal a 0-2 victory that allows them to dream of the first title of the season.
The performance of Barça's young players was one of the most positive news of the match, with Pedri and Lamine Yamal standing out. Lamine, in particular, continues to show that he's the team's leader when he's in good form, while the team overall showed great solidity and security in all lines.
The Negative Part Was Frenkie De Jong
Despite the victory and the good news regarding the performance of the young players, the match also had some negative points. One of the most criticized aspects was Frenkie de Jong's performance, who didn't measure up in the second half.
The Dutch midfielder, who came on in the second half, made a glaring mistake by gifting a goal with a bad pass that, fortunately for him, was disallowed for offside. These types of errors are becoming more frequent in his game, which has raised concerns about his level in recent weeks. His lack of consistency and performance compared to other players is starting to worry the club's technical management.
Barça Wants to Offload Him in January
In this regard, Barça is considering selling De Jong in this January market, a decision that could be crucial for the club's future. With his contract valid until 2026, Barça faces the possibility of losing him without getting anything in return if they don't act soon.
Moreover, his low level of play, especially compared to other midfielders like Casadó or Pedri, has led the club to consider an exit. De Jong's minimal contribution in important matches, his inconsistency, and his contractual situation have been key factors that have driven Barça to explore options for his sale.
His Departure Would Facilitate a Major Transfer for Barça
In this sense, Barça is looking to sell De Jong this January to free up space both in the team and in the salary and thus be able to make significant transfers. If they manage to sell the Dutchman, the club would get rid of a high salary and have more room to make key additions.
One of Barça's main goals is to sign a quality forward to strengthen the attack. Luis Díaz and Rafael Leão, as revealed by Mundo Deportivo, are the two players leading the list of potential transfers.
Additionally, Barça is also considering Marcus Rashford as an alternative. The Manchester United forward doesn't have a good relationship with Rubén Amorim and his transfer could be more accessible in terms of price. However, Barça won't rule out any option and will seek to maximize the opportunities that arise.