Barcelona exit lined up for Frenkie de Jong following Rodri signing | OneFootball

Earlier this week, Barcelona finalised the blockbuster signing of Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri. The 30-year-old, who is off the back of winning the Golden Ball at the 2026 World Cup, has penned a four-year contract at the Spotify Camp Nou, in a move that has excited a lot of supporters – but has also led to doubts regarding the future of one player in particular: Frenkie de Jong.

Going into the summer, Barcelona had not planned to sign a midfielder. Hansi Flick was happy to continue with Pedri, Gavi, Marc Bernal and de Jong as his options, but the Netherlands international’s knee injury, suffered during the World Cup, forced the club to enter the market, and they ultimately moved for Rodri.

The expectation is that when everyone is fit, Pedri and Rodri will be partnered together at the base of Barcelona’s midfield, which would leave de Jong out in the cold. The latter’s arrival is likely to have a negative effect on the Dutchman, and according to Valentijn Driessen (via Sport), there is a good chance that he leaves next summer due to a lack of prominence.

De Jong exit in 2027 would make a lot of sense for Barcelona

Next summer, it is likely that Barcelona will fall back out of La Liga’s 1:1 rule, and this is one of the reasons why they want to spend big now. Thus, big sales could/will be needed to ease their issues from 2027 onwards, and de Jong would be a strong candidate to be sold, should he not be a regular starter as expected.

At 29, he is coming towards the end of his prime, and with his contract up in 2029, next summer would be the perfect time for him to be sold. He should have plenty of suitors if/when he is put on the market, so it shouldn’t be difficult for Barcelona to move him on – although the final decision will be down to the player himself.