Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has reportedly lost confidence in midfielder Frenkie de Jong following a breakdown in their relationship at the end of last season, according to a GOAL report published on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
Spanish journalist Gerard Romero claims tensions escalated during Barcelona’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Atletico Madrid. Flick reportedly wanted De Jong to start after the Dutch midfielder was medically cleared to play, but the player allegedly declined to take the risk, leading to a disagreement.
The incident is said to have severely damaged the relationship between the pair, with Flick reportedly losing trust in the 29-year-old midfielder.
As a result, De Jong is now reportedly weighing up his future at Barcelona and is said to be exploring a possible exit from the club.
His situation has been further complicated by a serious knee injury sustained while representing the Netherlands at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to the report, De Jong is considering surgery but has postponed making a final decision while evaluating his next career move.
