Xavi breaks silence on reports of Barcelona being open to sellling Frenkie de Jong | OneFootball

If there was ever a list to be made of players who were perenially linked to Manchester United but not joining, Frenkie de Jong is quickly making his way up that list.

The Erik ten Hag favourite has been linked to United ever since his former manager rocked up at Old Trafford.

After the first summer of links ultimately ended up being unsuccessful and United signings Casemiro instead, the rumour mill was somewhat quiet in the second summer.

Turns out, those links were just resting up to come back with a vengeance in the upcoming window.

De Jong has been linked to United again with recent reports suggesting Barcelona are open to selling him and the player is more willing than ever to move.

However, Barcelona manager Xavi has moved to pour cold water on those links in a direct statement of intent.

Fabrizio Romano reports Xavi saying that De Jong is a key player for him and “nothing has changed”. He added that the midfielder has been “unlucky with injuries” but “his level has always been excellent”.

Xavi said: “For me, de Jong is a key player. Nothing has changed, he’s really crucial for me.

“He’s been unlucky with many injuries but his level has always been excellent, I consider Frenkie as crucial player.”

It is an open secret that United will be looking to strengthen their midfield this summer, with Casemiro declining sharply and Christian Eriksen running on fumes.

De Jong suits United’s position of need, and playing style and is a firm Ten Hag favourite, which made him a contender to join.

However, as long as Xavi remains in charge, prying him away from the Catalans will always be a tall order, and that is before considering his own stance.

United had agreed a deal for him in the summer of 2022 only for the player to reject the club’s advances.

It seems like there’s no false hope given to the club this summer if Xavi’s statement is anything to go by which should save United a lot of time in the market.

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