Barça are facing Las Palmas and Hansi Flick has made a surprising choice in the starting eleven . With Casadó out due to suspension, many eyes were on who would be his replacement in the defensive midfield position. In theory, everything seemed to indicate that this would be Frenkie de Jong, but the truth is that he has received an unexpected blow: before him, there's Gavi, who has been converted .
Hansi Flick's decision was clear: Gavi will play in central midfield against Las Palmas, leaving Frenkie de Jong out of the starting eleven . At first, the German had some confidence in being able to bring him back to the game, but the latest setbacks, which occurred just when he was on the field, have made him lose any hope.
What Flick is clear about is that Gavi 's conversion is not free. He intends to do the same thing he is doing now with Pedri whenever necessary. The undisputed starter in the midfield position is Marc Casadó, while, when he fails or needs a rest, the opportunity will be for the youth team player.
Beyond the absence of Frenkie de Jong, the other surprise is in the starting lineup of Pablo Torre . Olmo has started the match from the bench, as has Lamine Yamal.
Frenkie De Jong: Barça's Doors are Open, Hansi Flick's Move is a Warning
Frenkie de Jong's substitution is not free against Las Palmas . Hansi Flick has the president's information: he is not a priority and the Dutchman is on the market.
Joan Laporta has had enough and has made the final decision with Frenkie de Jong. For months, the Dutchman had on the table an offer to renew his contract with FC Barcelona , but this has changed . Indeed, he had, in the past tense, because the Barça president has decided that the offer has expired and is no longer valid.
Barça have already made him a renewal offer at the end of 2023 , putting a new contract on the table. The duration would've been extended until 2029, three years more than what he currently has signed. In addition, there was no salary reduction, earning the same average as at present. Right now, his salary is higher than what was signed due to the agreed deferrals.
At the moment, Joan Laporta wants to take some time with Frenkie de Jong. The proposal is no longer valid and is considered to be discarded. His contract ends in 2026 and the idea now is to wait to see if his performance improves. there's no clear scenario at the moment and anything can happen: from a renewal, to a sale, even a free exit when his current contract ends.
Being substituted against Las Palmas is a warning given to him by Hansi Flick: either he improves or everyone will pass him by, like Gavi.