FC Barcelona is undergoing a full sports restructuring, and not all players will have a place in the new project. While Deco is working on strategic signings and contract renewals, he is also facing unpopular decisions. Some departures are already on the way, and one of them directly affects Frenkie de Jong.
The Dutch midfielder still hasn't renewed his contract, which ends in 2026. Although both parties want to continue, the agreement hasn't been finalized. Uncertainty is growing while unexpected moves are happening in his closest circle.
Frenkie De Jong with Barça | @FCBarcelona
Frenkie hasn't renewed yet, but his inner circle is starting to break apart
Deco has been negotiating with Frenkie de Jong for months to finalize a contract extension. However, the positions are still far apart and Barça's planning can't wait. For this reason, the club has started to make tough decisions regarding the squad.
One of the most sensitive is the departure of his best friend in the locker room: Andreas Christensen. The Danish center-back and Frenkie have kept a very close relationship since their time together in the squad. Now, Christensen will be one of the sacrifices of the summer.
Frenkie De Jong with Barça | @FCBarcelona
Hansi Flick has conveyed his intention to reduce the number of center-backs in the first team. There are currently five options for the heart of the defense, and one must leave. Ronald Araújo, Íñigo Martínez, and Pau Cubarsí have their continuity assured.
Everything indicates that Andreas Christensen will be the one chosen to leave the club. Despite his good performance in his first year, he lost prominence in the last season. Deco was clear at the press conference: "We have many center-backs, and someone has to leave."
Hansi Flick | @FCBarcelona
The Premier League, possible destination for the Dane
Barça has started to circulate Christensen's name in the English market. Several Premier League clubs have shown interest in bringing him back after his time at Chelsea. The Catalan club expects to bring in between 25 and 30 million from his sale.
In addition to the transfer, his departure would significantly ease the wage bill. With a high salary and a secondary role, his exit is seen as a necessary move. Everything points to it being a matter of days before it becomes official.
Andreas Christensen with Barça | @FCBarcelona
Christensen's departure not only has sporting implications, but also emotional ones. For Frenkie de Jong, losing his best friend will be a blow inside the locker room. They have spent a lot of time together, both on and off the field.
Barça understands the situation, but it prioritizes rebuilding the team. The new project under Flick needs space to grow and can't keep players without a place. Deco is clear that sacrifices must be made to move forward.
Flick | @FCBarcelona
Barça moves forward, despite personal bonds
The decision regarding Christensen symbolizes the new era that Deco and Flick are building at Camp Nou. It's not just about talent, but about fit within the system and financial sustainability. The sports management doesn't want to repeat mistakes from the past.
Frenkie will continue negotiating his continuity, but he'll do so without his main support in the group. It's a reminder that professional soccer doesn't care about friendships when it comes to planning. Christensen is leaving, and with him, a chapter of Barça's recent history.
Christensen with Barça | @FCBarcelona
Barça keeps making decisions to consolidate a more competitive and coherent team with its objectives. The departure of Christensen will allow the club to free up an important spot and open space for reinforcements. Deco doesn't hesitate: the club must be firm to build the future.
With this departure, the club is accelerating its squad reconfiguration. While Frenkie decides his future, his environment is changing radically. Barça moves forward with determination, even if it means leaving close relationships behind.
