‘AFRAID OF COLLISION’ Hansi Flick meets Barcelona’s injured midfielder, considers him ‘untouchable’

FC Barcelona announced Hansi Flick as their new manager earlier today, with the German tactician signing a two-year contract until 2026.

The 59-year-old visited the club facilities for the first time today before signing his contract at the offices in the presence of Barça president Joan Laporta and other officials.

During his visit, Flick happened to meet with Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, reports Mundo Deportivo.

The Netherlands international is currently working on his recovery from the ankle injury he suffered last month.

De Jong was training at the club facilities when Flick happened to come across him. The new manager spoke with the injured superstar, checking up on him during his recovery training.

De Jong untouchable

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De Jong is an ‘untouchable’ for Flick (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

De Jong’s future at Barcelona has been cast into doubt owing to the fact that the Catalans need to make some big sales to address their Financial Fair Play issues.

Bayern Munich have shown an interest while Manchester United remain long-term admirers.

However, as per the report from Mundo Deportivo, both Flick as well as Barcelona consider De Jong an ‘untouchable’ heading into the summer transfer window.

The idea is for the Dutchman to stay put at the club beyond this summer, with the Catalans even having tabled a new contract offer for him.

De Jong, for his part, has always maintained that he wishes to stay at Barça. But his wages are seen as an issue and if he does not sign the new contract, with lower salary, offers could be heard for him.

Rò rỉ bản hợp đồng trị giá 115 triệu euro của Frenkie de Jong với Barcelona | CHUYÊN TRANG THỂ THAO