Barcelona boss Xavi has defended his decision to play Frenkie de Jong as a centre-back in what many viewed as a move to try and force the player out of the Camp Nou exit door.
De Jong, a midfielder by trade, is wanted desperately by Premier League giants Manchester United who have long been in negotiations with the La Liga titans over a potential transfer for the Dutchman. It is a deal that would suit everyone but the player, given De Jong has reportedly told the Barcelona hierarchy he wants to stay.
This is hardly music to the ears of those at the top of the club. Due to the perilous financial position Barcelona find themselves in, De Jong is viewed as one of the few players currently on the books who could actually generate a decent-sized transfer fee for the Spanish side.
Therefore, it is in Barcelona's best interests to part ways with De Jong to the tune of the agreed fee with United of £63million plus add-ons. It is clear the 25-year-old has very little interest in a reunion with his former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, which leaves Xavi with a decision to make.
The manager could either accept De Jong's stance gracefully or make the player's time in Catalonia particularly miserable. If his latest decision is anything to go by, he may have opted for the latter.
For the second half of Barcelona's recent pre-season friendly against fierce rivals Real Madrid last weekend, Xavi replaced central defender Andreas Christensen with De Jong and stood by the eye-opening call after the game.
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"Frenkie? I don't send messages. I spoke with him. I like him a lot," he said. "For me, he is a fundamental footballer but there is also the economic situation and fair play. He can bring us a lot as a centre-back. I like him in that position."
While the club legend and current boss has shed light on his reasoning, it is possible the decision is a statement to De Jong: 'Leave or get used to life at the heart of the Barcelona back-line.'
Another issue surrounding De Jong's potential exit is that Barcelona still owe the ex-Ajax star millions in deferred wages. The club's transfer policy has not been reflective of a team that still owes its current players money.
More than £80million has been spent on the acquisitions of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha combined, with Barcelona seemingly spending as normal to try and restore themselves to their former glories.
