FC Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong Faces Uncertain Future After Injury Return

Frenkie de Jong rejoined the FC Barcelona group after his knee injury sustained at the 2026 World Cup and is awaiting medical clearance for the upcoming Liga match against Real Betis.

The club indicated that both Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong could return to the Barcelona squad for the Real Betis game, though neither is expected to start in Sevilla as the team plans a gradual reintroduction ahead of the PSG match and El Clásico.

Technical staff will assess his physical condition and decide the most appropriate way to reintegrate him.

Hansi Flick will have the Dutch midfielder as an additional option, but he will likely need to find his bearings without haste.

Midfield competition is intensifying, and several players must convince Hansi Flick to retain a significant role in the rotation.

Meanwhile, FC Barcelona’s long‑term outlook for Frenkie de Jong remains uncertain, with reports that the club will not retain the Dutch player and has set a transfer fee described as “a fortune.”

According to Transferfeed, Barcelona is reportedly targeting Swiss international Johan Manzambi, a 21‑year‑old under contract with Aston Villa until June 2031 and also linked with Liverpool, as a potential replacement.