FC Barcelona is currently studying the potential purchase of a replacement for injured midfielder Frenkie de Jong according to El Chiringuito and SPORT, who both cited anonymous sources.Getty ImagesFC Barcelona is currently studying the purchase of a replacement for injured midfielder Frenkie de Jong according to El Chiringuito and SPORT, who both cited anonymous sources.Gironas Azzedine Ounahi has emerged as a potential candidate, and comes cheap with a $28.8 million (25 million) release clause amid Gironas relegation last term.As for De Jong, the Dutchman is once more injured. After the Netherlands was knocked out of the 2026 World Cup at the last 32 stage by Ounahis Morocco on penalties, De Jongs return to Catalonia soon revealed that he has suffered a tear of the medial collateral ligament in his right knee.De Jong is believed to be out for three months, and anything up to six if he ends up requiring surgery.This is terrible news for the defending La Liga champions and manager Hansi Flick, who is left with a short supply of defensive midfielders other than Eric Garcia and Marc Bernal.Such a development could force Sporting Director Deco and President Joan Laporta to head to the market, with the season set to get underway via August 23s away trip to Elche in three weeks time. Ounahi has emerged as a top candidate for FC BarcelonaWith a release clause of just $28.8 million (25 million) as mentioned, Gironas Ounahi is wanted by a number of top European clubs.Ajax currently lead the race for him, as it is in Amsterdam that hed be reunited with former Girona boss Michel, and most probably Bara goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen closing in on a loan deal there.Aged 26, while scoring five goals and providing two assists across 24 league games last seasons, Ounahi also proved that hes still at the peak of his powers during Moroccos run to the World Cup quarterfinals where they were knocked out by France.If Bara decides to make its interest concrete, and manages to get Ounahi, it must be noted that he wouldnt be a direct replacement for De Jong as a pivot.Hes more offensive than the Dutchman, yet would offer manager Flick a number of different roles like Eric Garcia by being able to play in attacking midfield or on the wing.Such an incorporation would probably mean Gavi, Bernal or Garcia playing alongside Pedri to add defensive control for FC Barcelona, as it seeks a threepeat of La Liga crowns in addition to the elusive Champions League title.This article was originally published on Forbes.com