If Frenkie de Jong leaves Barcelona and Bernardo Silva is not signed as his replacement, there would be at least 5 players who would receive more game time next season.
1. Gavi
Gavi is basically Frenkie's main competitor for the third midfield spot.
The two players are capable of playing together – they've done it on multiple occasions already, yet Gavi could feel more comfortable without the Dutchman for he is also active defensively.
The starting midfield trio of Pedri, Sergio Busquets and Gavi next season – who says no?
2. Franck Kessie
Firstly, De Jong sale would simply help the club register the Ivorian.
Secondly, Kessie often plays as a box-to-box midfielder and his functions are partly similar to Frenkie's, although the Ivorian is more physically-gifted.
3. Nico
Nico also does well playing as a box-to-box midfielder – it's not necessary for him to replace Sergio Busquets in order to succeed.
He has not been a regular starter under Xavi so far, but Frenkie's exit could help the 20-year-old establish himself as an important player.
4. Sergi Roberto
The 30-year-old is set to sign a new deal with the club and will be hoping to get some game time under Xavi.
It is unlikely that the Barca boss will use the La Masia graduate at right-back - like Ronald Koeman did - so he would be one of our back-up central midfielders.
5. Pablo Torre
Another creative midfielder who appreciates playing closer to the left side, and thus, could potentially compete with Gavi for the starter spot.
Frenkie's summer exit, if it happens swiftly, would help Barca's new signing prove himself already in the pre-season.
Latest news
