Main Menu Hansi Flick points at De Jong’s replacement at Barcelona: World-class star will arrive at Camp Nou for free

Barcelona are preparing for the possibility of Frenkie de Jong leaving, even though the Dutch midfielder has repeatedly expressed his desire to stay until his contract expires in 2026. The club is open to considering substantial offers for De Jong, either during the January transfer window or next summer.

In light of this, manager Hansi Flick has identified Joshua Kimmich of Bayern Munich as his preferred replacement. Flick, who previously worked with Kimmich at Bayern and with the German national team, values the player’s tactical intelligence, leadership qualities, and versatility, making him an ideal fit for Barcelona’s style of play.

Kimmich’s ability to control the game from midfield and his flexibility to perform in various roles, including as a right-back, align well with the team’s needs. While Barcelona already boasts a talented midfield lineup with players like Gavi, Pedri, Pablo Torre, and Marc Casado, Kimmich’s experience would bring a new level of depth and stability to the squad.

His contract with Bayern Munich expires in June 2025, and although renewal talks are ongoing, no agreement has been finalized, which could allow Barcelona to secure his services through a pre-contract agreement starting in January 2025. However, the move is not without challenges. Barcelona’s financial difficulties may make it hard to accommodate Kimmich’s salary, and competition from other top clubs like Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain could complicate negotiations.

Flick’s interest in Kimmich reflects his intention to strengthen the team with experienced players who can provide leadership and tactical flexibility. If De Jong decides to leave, Kimmich would be an ideal addition to Barcelona’s plans, helping them remain competitive in both La Liga and the Champions League.