Barça's sports management is closely following the strategic transition phase that the first team is experiencing. After winning the national treble, Deco and company are already thinking about how to renew key areas of the team to keep competitiveness at the elite level. One of these positions is the midfield, where Frenkie De Jong has been an important piece under Hansi Flick's leadership, but whose future remains unclear.
The Dutch midfielder's contract expires in 2026, and there are still no signs of renewal. The need to find a natural replacement for Frenkie is an open conversation within the club, not because he doesn't perform, but because his style is difficult to find in the market. The German coach wants balance, order, and clarity with the ball in that area, and in that context, both he and his coaching staff believe that the solution is at home.
reappears at the right moment
According to the latest reports, Marc Bernal, one of La Masia's great talents, will return to the first team in August after overcoming a serious knee injury. The young 17-year-old culé midfielder is destined to be a protagonist in the new Barça. Considered by many as the natural heir to Sergio Busquets, his brilliant return coincides with the need to strengthen the midfield with a more positional and tactical profile.
Bernal has everything Flick looks for in a '5': intelligence, calmness, physical power, and a reading of the game well beyond his age. Therefore, both Deco and the coaching staff have already marked him as "internal priority". He is not for sale, and barring any surprises, he will be part of the first team's preseason.
pressure with De Jong
With this breakthrough on the horizon, De Jong can no longer afford to look at his situation calmly.Although his performance has been good, the lack of a renewal agreement and his high salary place him in a vulnerable position. If Barça receives a good offer, they might consider selling him, especially if Bernal proves ready to take on a leading role.
The Dutchman remains a starter, but he knows that the path is no longer clear. Barça is changing, and the commitment to young players is strong. Flick is not committed to names, and if Bernal convinces during the preseason, the competition will be real.