X-ray of Barcelona's midfield situation with Frenkie de Jong's future uncertain

With Ousmane Dembele staying and Raphinha joining, now Barcelona have turned their attention to Frenkie de Jong’s future. The club have told his camp now that he should go as soon as possible because his departure to Man United would earn them 40 million euros worth of leeway in the salary base. The Rules need FFP margin to register their new arrivals, but it depends on whether Frenkie will renounce his dream of succeeding at Barcelona or not.

Xavi has said many times he would count on Frenkie, so the decision is purely an economical one. The ’21’ has not performed to the level he would have hoped in his three years at Camp Nou but his quality is unquestionable. If he goes, Bernardo Silva would be the target to replace him, but the priority is to bring in Robert Lewandowski and reinforce the defence.

Xavi’s midfield options see Busquets and Pedri as unquestionable starters, Gavi and Franck Kessie as other possibilities and the recently renewed Sergi Roberto also an option. 

He can also feature at right back where for now Xavi has just Sergino Dest, and Ronald Araujo in case of emergency. Nico Gonzalez in theory will be the back up holding midfielder, with the Galician playing there against Olot in the first friendly.

Another youngster of interest is Pablo Torre, who has arrived from Racing Santander. He thrilled against Olot and will be registered with the B team but have presence in the first team. There is no rush with him. And don’t compare him to Pedri.

Riqui Puig is heading out, Alex Collado will stay. He’ll find it hard to get minutes with Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres, Dembele and Raphinha all options. He might have more of a chance as an interior, if Frenkie leaves.