The coach of Barcelona, Xavi Hernandez, has admitted that he still does not know if Frenkie de Jong will stay at Barcelona on the eve of the new season. Xavi's statement comes after Barcelona president Joan Laporta gave hope to Chelsea and Manchester United that they could secure a deal for the Dutchman's services.
But despite the fact that the giants of the Premier League have expressed interest in the talented midfielder, the latter does not want to leave Barcelona. One of the reasons is the fact that Barça is the dream club for De Jong, and the player wants to develop his career at the Spanish giants. Another reason is the fact that Barcelona has significant obligations in unpaid wages to the footballer, and the midfielder does not want to leave without first resolving this issue.
The 25-year-old made his first pre-season debut for the club in Barcelona's 2-0 win over the New York Red Bulls. Xavi was asked after the match about the speculation that has accompanied De Jong in the last weeks of the market. The former Barcelona midfielder said:
"I don't know if he will stay, there is still time and many things can happen. At the moment he is part of the team like everyone else."
De Jong, meanwhile, returned to his natural role as a midfielder in the last game, after the player had been activated in the defender position in the previous meetings. Xavi was asked if this change was a sign that De Jong is on his way out. The Spaniard added:
"I don't need to send signals on the field, I can talk directly to my players."
Manchester United remain the main favorites to get De Jong's card, as the "Red Devils" have been constantly linked with the name of the former Ajax player.
