FC Barcelona midfielder Brian Fariñas remains the only outfield player in Hansi Flick’s professional squad yet to log a single minute this season, despite being fully available for selection. Frenkie de Jong has also not played yet, but that absence stems from an injury sustained at the 2026 World Cup.
Fariñas Nears Contract Extension and Higher Release Clause
Despite his limited involvement on the pitch, Fariñas is closing in on an agreement to extend his current contract with Barcelona, which is set to expire in 2028. The negotiations follow a summer in which Fariñas came close to joining Girona before Flick personally intervened to block the transfer and keep the youngster in Catalonia. With a few final details still to be settled between the parties, Fariñas will receive a salary reflecting his new status in the first team, and the current 15 million euro release clause in his contract will also increase.
Patience Behind the Scenes Amid Limited Minutes
Hansi Flick constantly speaks with his young player, giving instructions and correcting mistakes to help him raise his level, while encouraging him to keep working so he is ready when his chance comes. At present, Fariñas has ruled out a loan departure during the upcoming winter transfer window, though club observers note that the next two months will prove critical for his development. With a long season ahead and the Copa del Rey yet to begin, Fariñas will eventually get his opportunity.
Injury Crisis Opens the Door for Squad Rotation
Barcelona’s recent physical setbacks could alter the midfield hierarchy over the coming weeks. Following a defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, the club confirmed that Dani Olmo suffered a left adductor strain after a collision with an opponent. Medical examinations estimated Olmo’s recovery period at approximately one month, ruling the Spaniard out of upcoming fixtures against Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid (Sofoot). The player himself knew he was injured, as he knows his body perfectly.
The injury list also includes Eric García, alongside long-term absentees Ronald Araújo and Andreas Christensen. Jules Koundé remains a significant doubt for the upcoming Clásico after training apart from the group due to a left ankle sprain, which could lead to young Xavi Espart starting again on the right side of the Catalan defense. Marquinhos, Dembélé, and Kvaratskhelia also exited matches injured recently.
Midfield Opportunities Ahead of the Clásico
With Flick’s tactical options severely restricted by mounting injuries, squad depth will face an immediate test when Barcelona host Real Madrid in La Liga (Football.fr) this Sunday at 21:00 at the Camp Nou for the 10th matchday of the league season. While Fermín López remains the primary candidate to fill the advanced midfield role in Olmo’s absence—having previously returned 21 goals and 19 assists in 100 matches since his return in 2024 while maintaining healthy competition with Olmo—rotation will be necessary before the November international break. Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, or Marc Bernal could push into more advanced roles, Lamine Yamal could shift centrally, and Raphinha might also feature as an advanced playmaker. However, Gavi is the player most likely to benefit from Olmo’s absence, and Fariñas could likewise capitalize on this sequence of changes from the bottom of the options list to earn minutes as an axial or attacking midfielder.
Worth a look
/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.topmercato.com%2Fmain%2F2026%2F10%2FFotoJet-2026-10-23T085703.312.jpg)