Barcelona manager Xavi admits he is still unsure whether Frenkie de Jong will remain at Camp Nou this season.
He is adamant that the Netherlands international still has an important role in the team should De Jong stay.
“Frenkie de Jong is not a substitute,” Xavi said despite naming him as a substitute, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano. “But, I don’t know what will happen in the market.
“I can’t guarantee that he stays, but he will be important for us, if he does.”
However, the 25-year-old was a substitute in Barcelona’s first match of the new La Liga season on Saturday night, which ended in a goalless draw against Rayo Vallecano.
De Jong replaced Gavi after an hour and played well but the Catalan side couldn’t do enough to win the game.
Manchester United and Chelsea are both tracking De Jong as a transfer target, with the Red Devils having already reached an agreement with Barcelona over a deal.
He’d be a fantastic signing for both Premier League clubs, but I really hope United can get a deal done before deadline day.
Our midfield is crying out for a talented acquisition like De Jong, who Erik ten Hag has wanted since the beginning of the summer.