Xavi reveals he could use Frenkie de Jong at centre-back if he stays

Xavi has hinted that Barcelona’s ‘financial scenario’ might power the membership to promote Frenkie de Jong, but when he stays then he might have a future on the coronary heart of the Blaugrana’s defence.

De Jong has been closely linked with a reunion with former Ajax supervisor Erik ten Hag at Manchester United this summer time.

Though the transfer has stalled in latest week because of wage deferral points, 90min understands that United’s curiosity is robust and they’re ready to attend it out to get their man having agreed a payment with Barcelona.

De Jong featured for Barça of their pre-season victory over Actual Madrid on Sunday, albeit as a second-half substitute for centre-back Andreas Christensen.

The Dutchman has been utilized in defence beforehand, however Xavi was nonetheless questioned on the positional shift after the sport, and he used this chance to additionally difficulty an replace on his future.

“Frenkie? I do not ship messages. I spoke with him. I like him rather a lot,” he stated.

“For me, he’s a elementary footballer however there’s additionally the financial scenario and truthful play. He can convey us rather a lot as a centre-back. I like him in that place.”

Pay attention now to 90min’s Speaking Transfers podcast, with Scott Saunders, Graeme Bailey & Toby Cudworth. On the newest present they focus on Chelsea lastly closing in on Jules Kounde, Man Utd’s ongoing pursuit of Frenkie de Jong, West Ham’s hunt for a brand new ahead and left-back and extra. Obtainable on all audio platforms.

If you cannot see the podcast embed, click on here to obtain the episode in full!

Privately, Barcelona are open to De Jong departing the membership. Regardless of activating two monetary ‘levers’ they continue to be unlikely to have the ability to register their complete squad with out breaching La Liga’s wage cap.

Nevertheless, De Jong is already owed €20m in deferred wages, and Barcelona haven’t but agreed how this will probably be paid. That is the principle hold-up concerning his potential transfer to United.

Barcelona are additionally pushing to signal defender Jules Kounde, regardless of Sevilla and Chelsea reaching an settlement over the France worldwide.

This text was initially printed on 90min as Xavi reveals he could use Frenkie de Jong at centre-back if he stays.

Supply: www.90min.com