Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez admits that Frenkie de Jong may be deployed as a central defender as he is unable to cement a regular starting role in midfield.
De Jong has started just four of Barca’s ten matches across La Liga and Champions League this season, finding himself behind Pedri, Gavi, Sergio Busquets and new signing Franck Kessie in the pecking order. It comes after Manchester United ’s summer-long pursuit of the Dutchman and despite the club making a breakthrough in the deal in the transfer window.
United boss Erik ten Hag coached De Jong at Ajax and held a phone call this summer to convince the player that he should join his project at Old Trafford. The Red Devils had an initial transfer fee agreed with Barca valued at £56.2million to sign the midfielder but no agreement could be struck.
