The midfield of FC Barcelona is a well-oiled machine in terms of efficiency, but such successes are often accompanied by complicated dilemmas.
While summer signing Rodri has taken care of the basics week in, week out, Pedri has secured his position as the team’s creative force, and young Marc Bernal has been able to take on a role from the bench. Frenkie de Jong and Gavi have been left to fight for the scraps.
As the 2026/27 season begins to gain maturity, it becomes apparent that such a situation is unsustainable in the long run. It will be necessary to make a decision in order to clear up the current chaos and establish a new system.
De Jong: A new approach or even more problems?
There are two reasons why De Jong may be the one to go. First, in terms of tactics, his position in midfield has been compromised by the arrival of Rodri. In Flick’s system, which is based on a double pivot, the Dutchman is a progressive playmaker, but this requires constant readjustments.
For financial reasons, De Jong’s future at Camp Nou is even more uncertain. The player earns a large sum of money, and with his age and quality, it would be a problem even if he were not a starter every week. But if Rodri and Pedri take turns in the holding role, then the Dutchman may find himself on the periphery of events. Naturally, this will raise difficult questions about the renewal of the contract.
Gavi’s impatience: A prospect that provokes thoughts of transfer
While De Jong weighs all the nuances of the situation, Gavi is unlikely to be so hesitant. The Spanish international has lost regularity in the team, which could be a problem given his age and importance to the national team.
Gavi needs battles to develop as a footballer, not spares. Flick understands this, but it is becoming more difficult to fight for a place in the system with Rodri, Pedri, and rising star Marc Bernal. The imposing figure of Gavi, who plays with huge passion, will hardly be content with the role of a substitute. This means that if his chances of becoming a regular are blocked, then his transfer to another club is only a matter of time.
Conclusion: Two great stars, but they can’t all fit
It is no secret that any strong team has to make concessions with regard to its resources. However, the situation in the midfield of FC Barcelona cannot continue as it is. Rodri and Pedri are the inviolable axis of Flick’s system, and Bernal is the prospect of the future, which means that one of De Jong or Gavi will have to leave.
It remains unclear whether it will be De Jong who will be sent away to ease the finances and allow him to be a starter, or Gavi, whose transfer can be delayed given his La Masia heritage. However, it is clear that one way or another, the release of one of them will be a priority for Deco in the foreseeable future.
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