Frenkie de Jong moved from Ajax to Barcelona in 2019 after celebrating reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League with his old club and causing a stir across Europe. He has since won a La Liga title, as well as the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup, but has often become a linchpin of Barca's problems in recent years.

Change rumors surrounding de Jong are also persistent. The Dutchman has been repeatedly linked with a move to Manchester United in the past, with the media highlighting his complicated contract situation, while the 27-year-old has often signaled that he would like to stay at Barcelona.

After his substitution against Real Betis at the weekend, in which he came on after a 1-0 lead before Barca drew 2-2, de Jong was heavily criticized. But Hansi Flick stands by his player and wants to silence all discussions about de Jong.

Ahead of the Champions League match against Monaco, the Barca coach said: "For me he [de Jong] is a very important player. That's my opinion! I can't control what comes from outside. He's a professional big and gives everything. He is an important player for us."

It was recently claimed that Barca wanted to get rid of de Jong next summer due to a contract dispute; It was also reported that the Catalans would accept a transfer fee of just €20 million to get rid of him.

Due to a serious injury suffered in April last season, the Dutchman missed the 2024 European Championship, he only returned to the first team in October and has since started just two matches in the Champions League and La Liga

De Jong's contract expires in 2026.