Key reason why Hansi Flick blocked Barcelona youngster’s Girona transfer – report | OneFootball

Barcelona’s plans for Brian Farinas have changed significantly after Frenkie de Jong’s injury forced Hansi Flick to rethink his options ahead of the new season.

The young midfielder had been edging closer to a temporary move to Girona in search of regular first-team football. 

However, Barcelona have now paused those discussions after De Jong’s fitness setback created uncertainty in the middle of the pitch.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Flick has personally requested that Farinas remain with the senior squad during the opening weeks of pre-season, giving the La Masia graduate an opportunity to prove he can contribute at first-team level.

What happened to Frenkie de Jong?

Barcelona’s decision follows worrying developments surrounding De Jong, who cut short his summer break after suffering significant discomfort in his right knee.

Frenkie de Jong could be out for a long time. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The club’s medical staff initially detected severe swelling and instability in the joint, preventing doctors from carrying out a full MRI examination because of internal bleeding. 

As a result, Barcelona are still waiting for a definitive diagnosis once the inflammation subsides.

There is growing concern within the club that the Dutch midfielder could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines if ligament damage is confirmed, with early estimates suggesting an absence of between four and six months.

Hence, rather than allowing Farinas to leave, Flick wants to keep the versatile youngster close to the first team until the club has a clearer picture of De Jong’s recovery.

Farinas earns his Barcelona opportunity

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Brian Fariñas (@brianfarinass)

Farinas’ ability to perform in several midfield roles is one of the main reasons Flick is prepared to give him a closer look during pre-season.

Comfortable as a holding midfielder, central midfielder or attacking midfielder, the academy graduate offers tactical flexibility that could prove valuable if Barcelona are forced to cope without  De Jong.

The youngster also arrives with growing confidence after an impressive campaign for Barcelona Atlètic, where he registered five goals and seven assists. 

Having joined Barcelona from Villarreal in 2018 at the age of 13, Farinas has steadily progressed through La Masia and now finds himself closer than ever to earning a sustained opportunity under Flick.