Barcelona's first team is going through a decisive moment with one of its most important players, and that is Frenkie De Jong. Although Barça's management has expressed the desire to extend the Dutch midfielder's contract, which ends in 2026, negotiations remain stalled. The lack of progress is starting to generate concern in the club, especially in a summer where every move in the market will be key for Barça's economic balance.
De Jong has been essential in Barça's scheme, especially for his ability to build play from the back and his quiet leadership that led him to be a captain. However, if there is no renewal in the short term, the club doesn't rule out seeking a sale that would bring significant income. Barça doesn't want to make the mistake of losing a valuable asset without financial compensation.
Flick's big bet
Faced with the possibility of the Dutchman's departure, Hansi Flick has already made a move, and his plan is not to look for a replacement in the market, but to look at the youth academy. The name that generates the most excitement among the coaching staff and the sports management is Marc Bernal, a young midfielder who has already shown several glimpses of his quality. It's no wonder, as at 17 years old, he is already considered one of La Masia's most important gems.
Bernal combines elegance, tactical intelligence, and a vision of the game that is very unusual for his age. His profile is reminiscent, in several aspects, of De Jong himself. And before suffering a knee injury that halted his progress this season, the club already had a roadmap prepared to integrate him into the first team.
A natural replacement
Now, with his recovery almost complete, everything points to Marc Bernal having an important role in Barça's preseason. Flick wants to make Marc Bernal an example of his commitment to young talent. In fact, the German coach has made it clear that he trusts him not only as a key future option but also as a real alternative for the present.
The club doesn't want to rush, but they also know that if De Jong doesn't continue, Bernal has the conditions to take on greater responsibilities. His adaptation process has already begun, and with good preparation in the summer, he could establish himself as one of the surprises of the next season. Barça needs to balance its accounts and, at the same time, restore La Masia's prominence in the first team.