De Jong Is Out. Barça Have Already Found Another Name

Frenkie de Jong’s knee injury could keep him out for three to six months, so Barcelona have launched a familiar procedure: before coming up with a concrete plan, they have come up with another name. According to El Chiringuito, as reported by beIN Sports, the club are monitoring Girona midfielder Azzedine Ounahi.

The 26-year-old Moroccan is excellent at carrying the ball and breaking lines, but he is not a traditional defensive midfielder. In other words, he is the perfect replacement for De Jong — provided Barça move a few players around, adjust the system and convince everyone that this was the plan all along.

Ounahi’s strong season with Girona and impressive World Cup have also attracted interest from Ajax. There is no offer and no negotiation yet. Just interest, internal analysis and another name on Deco’s desk. So far, Barcelona’s shortlist remains the club’s most reliable performer of the summer.