Barça still has Frenkie de Jong's contract renewal pending. The Dutch midfielder's contract ends in 2026, and although the club has made it clear that it wants to secure his continuity as soon as possible, negotiations are at a standstill. The main problem lies in the fact that De Jong is changing his agent, and until that process is solved legally and formally, he can't sign a new agreement.
This situation creates uncertainty in the blaugrana environment. Barça considers De Jong a strategic piece in the team's present and doesn't want to reach January without his future solved. However, for now, everything depends on the footballer's off-field situation.
A pillar in Flick's system
In strictly sporting terms, Hansi Flick has no doubts about his importance. For the German coach, De Jong is key in the double pivot alongside Pedri. The Dutchman has established himself as one of the most reliable players in the Culé squad and an essential engine in the midfield.
However, not everyone at the club sees his role in the future with the same clarity. While he is currently undisputed, there are voices that wonder if he'll remain essential in a few years. Barça knows that the international market values Frenkie highly and that he could become a big-money sale if an agreement isn't reached soon.
Marc Bernal, the pivot of the future
Part of these doubts have to do with the trust in Marc Bernal, who is set to be the pivot of the future. The footballer was injured a year ago at a time when he was already starting to catch Flick's attention, but the club has decided to take his recovery slowly.
The club sees him as the natural heir to Sergio Busquets and believes that, when he's at one hundred percent, he can define an era. That's why the possible departure or loss of prominence of Frenkie de Jong could open the door for Bernal to get more minutes.
Barça, therefore, finds itself at a crossroads: secure one of the most important players in its present or start preparing the ground for Bernal's talent. What is clear is that the blaugrana midfield will remain one of the main pillars of Hansi Flick's project.