What to apply ? Residence card runs out soon

My friend ( Romanian with settled status ) is married to an Afghani who has currently a 5 year residence card . This card will expire beginning of November.
If brexit would not be soon he should normally apply for a permanent residence but the website states that this will no longer will valid after December 31st 2020.

What’s the exact thing he has to apply for ?

How about spouses ( like mine ) who are still within the 5 years of their residency? I guess he can no longer travel visa free with me within the EU after December either

Any help would be highly appreciated

Apply for settled status:
https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-ci ... atus-means
With five years they should receive Settled Status.
Even though it's called the "EU settlement scheme" it's a UK only status which doesn't give visa free travel - friend needs a Schengen visa.
Spouse will receive pre-settled status.