Barcelona chief Xavi Hernandez has suggested that the club's financial woes could open the door for Manchester United to prise Frenkie de Jong away from the Nou Camp this summer.
United are expected to be busy in the transfer market under their new manager, Erik ten Hag. The former Ajax chief is set to be backed in the summer by the Old Trafford hierarchy as he bids to overhaul a playing squad that has majorly disappointed in the Premier League this year.
And with Ten Hag eager to work with De Jong again, the 25-year-old has emerged as one of United's primary midfield targets. The Dutch international was one of Ten Hag's biggest stars at Ajax before he was sold to Barcelona for an initial €75million (£65m) back in 2019.
While United are interested in striking a deal for De Jong, it remains to be seen if Barcelona have an appetite to sell their midfield maestro.
Barcelona boss Xavi was adamant that De Jong could still play an important role in the club's future if he remains in Spain - but hinted that the club's 'economic situation' could dictate whether or not the midfielder moves on.
Speaking ahead of Sunday's La Liga finale, Xavi said: "For me, Frenkie is a great player, he’s a beast – I like him and I think he can be part of an important era of the club. We will see the economic situation of the club… but I like De Jong."
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Barcelona's recent financial issues have been well documented and even led to the departure of Lionel Messi last summer. While things have seemingly improved at the Nou Camp, Xavi's comments hint that the club could still be forced to cash in on players in the coming months.
Even if United are able to facilitate a deal, it remains to be seen if they will be able to convince De Jong to move to Old Trafford after they failed to qualify for next season's Champions League campaign - meaning Ten Hag may be unable to seal the reunion he craves.
Ten Hag jetted into United's London offices earlier this week to begin thrashing out plans for next season, but the 52-year-old is set to take in the final Premier League game of the season. Ten Hag will get the chance to run the rule over his new squad when United lock horns with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday.
