Why has Barcelona been left without a captain?

Marc-Andre ter Stegen has joined Ajax on loan, and Ronald Araujo is on the verge of a transfer to Liverpool, leaving the team without its two main candidates for the captain's armband.

Who are the main candidates for the new captain?

Frenkie de Jong is considered the natural successor, but Raphinha is also gaining prominence. Pedri, Eric Garcia, and Gavi are also included in the broader captaincy group.

What is Frenkie de Jong's status?

De Jong is currently injured, and there is frustration at the club because he reportedly prioritized playing at the World Cup over club commitments.

When will the final team leadership be known?

The club's board is under pressure to name the captaincy group before the start of the new competitive season.

Football

Barcelona in Chaos: Flick Left Without a Captain

B.N. · Prije 2h | 2 min

Ter Stegen's departure to Ajax and Araujo's shocking transfer to Liverpool have left Barcelona without a clear leader ahead of the new season. Hansi Flick must urgently reshape the team's hierarchy.

Summary

Barcelona has been left without two captains: Ter Stegen is on loan at Ajax, and Araujo is on the verge of a transfer to Liverpool.
Frenkie de Jong is the first candidate for captain, but his injury and World Cup priorities complicate the situation.
Raphinha, Eric Garcia, and Gavi emerge as key figures in the new leadership structure that coach Hansi Flick must assemble.

Barcelona is facing an unexpected captaincy crisis after losing two key dressing-room figures in quick succession. Marc-Andre ter Stegen has joined Ajax on loan, while Ronald Araujo is on the verge of a shocking transfer to Liverpool. This double void in leadership leaves coach Hansi Flick with a serious challenge just before the start of the new season.

Until the end of last season, the established captaincy hierarchy at Camp Nou was clear: Ter Stegen, Araujo, Frenkie de Jong, Raphinha, and Pedri. Ter Stegen's departure initially promoted Araujo to first captain. However, his potential move to the Premier League now forces Flick to fundamentally reshape the entire leadership core of the squad.

De Jong the Natural Successor, but with Complications

Frenkie de Jong emerges as the most natural candidate for Barcelona's first captaincy. However, the situation is seriously complicated by his current injury. There is growing frustration at the club with the Dutch international and his decision to prioritize playing at the World Cup over club commitments.

It is in this context that Raphinha gains prominence. As reported by Mundo Deportivo, the Brazilian has grown into one of the most influential figures in the squad, both on and off the pitch. His performances, personality, and relationship with teammates make him a serious candidate to wear the captain's armband on a regular basis.

Garcia and Gavi: La Masia as a Source of New Leaders

With De Jong, Raphinha, and Pedri occupying three of the five leadership positions, the club needs two more names to complete the captaincy group. Eric Garcia, a La Masia product who spent time at Manchester City, is considered one of the strongest candidates due to his experience and deep connection to the club's academy.

Gavi, the 22-year-old midfielder, is also in the running despite his relative youth. He embodies many of the qualities traditionally associated with the club's identity, such as intensity and passion, and already has significant first-team experience.

The club's board is under pressure to finalize these roles before the start of the competitive season. Flick will rely on the appointed leaders to bridge the gap between the coaching staff and a squad full of young talent, and their task will also be to maintain discipline and morale.