Xavi responds to Man Utd interest in Frenkie de Jong

Barcelona manager Xavi has reiterated his desire to keep Frenkie de Jong this summer but accepted that the club's financial woes could force them to do some unwanted business.

De Jong has long been linked with a move to Manchester City, while rivals United have recently been credited with an interest as Erik ten Hag, who turned the young midfielder into a star at Ajax, prepares to take over at Old Trafford this summer.

Xavi has repeatedly stressed that he does not want to see De Jong leave Barcelona, but during a press conference on Saturday, he admitted that things may well be taken out of his control.

"Is De Jong non-transferable? Yes, for me he is a very important player, he has been a starter in nearly every game apart from when he needs to rest," Xavi said.

"He is fundamental to the team, but then there is the economy to consider.

"He is an important player who can mark an era at the club and I like him a lot, but in the end, we all depend on the economic situation."

Xavi stressed that there are a number of 'non-transferable' players in the squad but declined to reveal their identities, adding that the players themselves do not even know who they are.

"You have to know exactly what the situation of the club will be," Xavi continued. "Yes, there are untouchables, transferables and non-transferables. In my head, everything is clear, but we have to see what can be done.

"We haven't said anything to the players because we haven't finished the season."


Source : 90min