Boulahrouz Urges De Jong to Weigh Barcelona Future After Right-Back Role

What happened

Former Netherlands international Khalid Boulahrouz has urged Frenkie de Jong to seriously consider his long-term future at Barcelona, according to reporting from Get Spanish Football News. Boulahrouz's comments followed Barcelona's 2-1 win over Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano on Sunday, a result the outlet described as a crucial three-point haul. De Jong began that match on the bench and was introduced in the second half, but was deployed at right-back rather than in his usual midfield position.

Report details

The outlet noted that this was not the first time the 29-year-old has been asked to play a changed role this season, having also recently filled in at the heart of defence. Those adjustments prompted Boulahrouz to speak on the Ziggo Sport programme Rondo, comments cited by Diario Sport. He advised De Jong to start thinking about what he wants, saying the club is using him like a yo-yo. Boulahrouz pointed out that this time the appearance lasted ten minutes, but suggested that next time the club might say he has already proven he can do it and that, if needed, he will play half an hour at right-back.

Boulahrouz said De Jong must then ask himself whether this is what he wants, describing him as a midfielder and saying that is where he plays best. He added that De Jong could also play as a centre-back, but questioned the situation if he now has to move to right-back. The report frames the advice as a call for the former Ajax player to take a potential move away from the Camp Nou into serious consideration, though it offers no indication that any transfer is planned or that the club has responded.