A former Ballon d’Or has advised Frenkie de Jong to leave FC Barcelona to revive his career. According to this illustrious player, the Dutch midfielder is unable to express his full potential with the Blaugrana and would be better inspired to seek a new challenge elsewhere.
A challenge elsewhere to bounce back
The author of this advice is none other than Ruud Gullit, winner of the Ballon d’Or in 1987 and emblematic figure of Dutch football. In a recent intervention, Gullit did not mince his words regarding Frenkie de Jong’s situation at Barcelona:
“I hope he finds a solution. I hope a club that suits him will come and get him so he can leave Barça.”
According to Gullit, the time has come for De Jong to turn the page: “It’s time to look for something else.” The Dutch champion even suggested a few possible destinations for his compatriot, including Bayern Munich, which he considers ideal for De Jong’s style of play: “Bayern would be perfect for Frenkie. It would be fantastic for them.” Gullit also mentioned the potential interest of Saudi clubs, which he invited to look into the player’s file: “He’s a great player.”
Things are not going well for De Jong at Barça.
A complicated season for De Jong
Gullit’s suggestion resonates with Frenkie de Jong’s current reality at Barca. With only three matches played this season, only one of which as a starter, and a paltry total of one goal and one assist, the Dutchman only has the 19th playing time in the squad. Less experienced players like Pablo Torre, Gerard Martin or Fermin Lopez have accumulated more minutes than him.
Last Sunday, De Jong remained on the bench throughout the Spanish Super Cup final against Real Madrid, an additional episode which illustrates his marginal role under the orders of Hansi Flick.
A necessary questioning
At 26, Frenkie de Jong, who was recruited with great fanfare in 2019, today seems to be in an impasse at Barça. If Bayern Munich, mentioned by Gullit, represents an attractive option for his style of play based on possession and creativity, it remains to be seen if the player, under contract until 2026, will take the risk of leaving a prestigious club like Barça to relaunch his career elsewhere.
Ruud Gullit’s statements could, however, resonate with De Jong, who will soon have to decide whether his future still lies in Catalonia or elsewhere.
