Frenkie de Jong's future at FC Barcelona has reached a point of no return. The Dutch midfielder, who arrived as one of the star signings in 2019, is going through his worst moment since wearing the blaugrana.
The situation at the club is unsustainable. His performance has drastically declined, injuries have complicated his continuity, and, worse, his commitment to Barça is in doubt.
Joan Laporta, tired of this situation, has made a drastic decision. The president has closed an unexpected swap with Chelsea that will completely change the culé midfield.
De Jong, from untouchable to problem for Barça
Frenkie de Jong landed at Camp Nou in 2019 as one of the greatest promises of European football. His brilliant performance at Ajax made Barça pay 75 million euros (82 million dollars) to secure his services.
In his early years, he was expected to be the leader of the blaugrana midfield, however, his inconsistency has been evident. Although he has shown moments of quality, he has never quite become that standout player that was expected. Now, the situation has worsened, injuries have hit him hard this season, and when he has been available, his level hasn't been the best.
The problem is not just his performance, his attitude off the field has caused discomfort in the management. Frenkie de Jong has a contract until 2026, but he has rejected the club's renewal proposals. Barça has asked him for a salary reduction to adjust his contract to the team's delicate economic situation, but the Dutchman has refused.
Additionally, in the locker room, his lack of leadership in difficult moments hasn't gone unnoticed. With players like Pedri, Gavi, and Dani Olmo taking on more prominence, his role in the team has been relegated to the background.
Barça needs changes
The blaugrana midfield has been one of the lines most affected by injuries. Gavi is recovering quickly and Pedri is performing at a very good level. But Dani Olmo, although he has been a star, is constantly injured.
Hansi Flick needs players with greater intensity, energy, and sacrifice, Frenkie de Jong, in his current version, doesn't fit this profile. That's why Joan Laporta has decided to act. He doesn't want to lose De Jong for free in 2026, and faced with his refusal to renew, he has sought a solution.
The blaugrana president has found in Chelsea the perfect opportunity to solve this problem. The English club has long been interested in De Jong and, after intense negotiations, a swap has been closed that benefits both parties.
Barça gets rid of a player who is no longer in the club's plans and, in return, receives a player who fits perfectly into Flick's style.
The chosen one
The Argentine midfielder is the player who will arrive at Barça in this surprising swap. Enzo Fernández, world champion with Argentina in 2022, is a complete midfielder, with vision, intensity, and technical quality.
His ability to recover balls and distribute play makes him the ideal complement for Olmo and Pedri in the midfield.
Chelsea, meanwhile, gets a player with experience in LaLiga and European competitions. Meanwhile, Barça strengthens its midfield with a more dynamic and committed profile.
With this move, Laporta and Hansi Flick close a complicated chapter in the club's recent history and open the door to a new era in the blaugrana midfield.