English Premier League
Rodri signing could leave Frenkie de Jong facing uncertain Barcelona future
Barcelona’s pursuit of Manchester City midfielder Rodri could create an unexpected problem for Frenkie de Jong, with the Netherlands international potentially losing his place in the club’s starting line-up in the short and medium term.
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick said only a few days ago that signing a player for that position was not a priority. However, the club views the arrival of Spain international Rodri as a strategic transfer and is now considering the wider implications of adding him to the midfield.
One of the factors behind the change in approach is the expected departure of Marc Casado. De Jong’s recent knee injury has also played a significant role in the situation, and could leave the Dutch midfielder facing a particularly difficult period at Barcelona.
According to a report by Sport, De Jong may be the biggest short- and medium-term casualty of Rodri’s potential arrival. The midfielder could find himself with less space in the starting XI, while his position at the club has become completely uncertain.
Rodri’s potential signing therefore represents more than an addition to Barcelona’s midfield. Although Flick had indicated that strengthening in that area was not an immediate priority, the club considers the Manchester City player’s arrival important enough to alter its transfer planning.
For De Jong, the development would come at a complicated time. His knee injury has already created uncertainty around his involvement, while the possible departure of Casado could also reshape the options available in midfield. Rather than benefiting from the expected reduction in competition, De Jong could instead face a more difficult route back into the starting team if Rodri joins.
The situation remains linked to the possibility of Rodri moving to Barcelona, but the potential consequences for De Jong are already clear. A player who has occupied an important role in the midfield could see his position challenged by the arrival of one of the most prominent names being considered by the club.
Flick’s earlier comments suggested that Barcelona were not actively prioritising a midfielder in this position. The club’s strategic assessment of Rodri, however, appears to have changed that outlook. The expected departure of Casado and De Jong’s knee problem have helped create the conditions for a move that could significantly affect the balance of the squad.
As a result, De Jong’s future at Barcelona is now described as being completely up in the air. The short-term and medium-term impact of Rodri’s arrival could be felt most directly by the Dutchman, who may have to compete for a starting place while also dealing with the consequences of his injury.
