Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong “needs to be managed” according to head coach Hansi Flick. The 27-year-old, who returned from an ankle injury that kept him sidelined for six months in October, has had to settle for limited minutes this campaign.

Barcelona has reportedly withdrawn a renewal offer made last year, further intensifying doubts about De Jong's continuity.

In recent months, Barcelona sporting director Deco has been working on the contract renewals of several first team players. Pedri, Gavi and Ronald Araujo are all in discussions, while Frenkie de