Injury NewsFootball EspanaUnverified sourceVia Matteo Moretto· 30 Jul 2026
De Jong injury and rift force Barcelona midfield search
Frenkie de Jong's MCL tear and strained relationship with Hansi Flick have Barcelona scrambling for a new midfielder.
F. de Jong
player
Player
Frenkie de Jong
Injury
MCL tear
Club
Barcelona
Expected return
Long-term absence
What happened. Frenkie de Jong suffered an MCL tear during the World Cup, ruling him out long-term, and his relationship with coach Hansi Flick has grown strained, prompting Barcelona to search for a new central midfielder.
- De Jong's injury alone triggered a midfield reassessment.
- His relationship with Flick was already fractured before the injury.
- Barcelona may plan a permanent midfield realignment, not just temporary cover.
Barcelona have until Saturday to sign Valencia's Javi Guerra for €40m as a concrete option.
In this story
BarcelonaMore to read
CaughtOffside
Ornstein: Man City refuse to engage with unserious €45m offer for midfielder
BBC Sport
Barca cancel friendly in Morocco after Ceuta border crisis
The Guardian
Manchester City reject Barcelona’s opening £38.5m bid for Rodri as talks continue
Mirror Football
Enzo Maresca wants Chelsea star to replace Rodri as Barcelona move advances
