Xavi believes Frenkie de Jong is "one of the best midfielders in the world right now" in a huge blow to Erik ten Hag's six-man transfer shortlist.
Manchester United manager Ten Hag tried to sign De Jong, 25, from Barcelona last summer but failed to agree personal terms with the player. It is believed Ten Hag is still interested in signing De Jong, yet Xavi's comments suggest he is going nowhere.
Barcelona boss Xavi praised the Netherlands international after his team's 1-0 victory at Athletic Bilbao on Sunday night. The result leaves Barcelona nine points clear of bitter rivals Real Madrid in the LaLiga title race, with "spectacular" De Jong flourishing.
"De Jong is playing at a spectacular level," Xavi told reporters at full-time. "He’s one of the best midfielders in the world right now."
Ten Hag's interest in De Jong was reignited last month after United dumped Barcelona out of the Europa League. The Red Devils boss coached De Jong during their time together at Ajax - winning a league and cup double during the 2018/19 campaign.
It is believed the other names on Ten Hag's six-man shortlist include Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham, Tottenham striker Harry Kane, Napoli frontman Victor Osimhen, Benfica forward Goncalo Ramos and Ajax talent Mohammed Kudus.
Do you think Manchester United will eventually sign Frenkie de Jong in the summer? Let us know in the comments below!
De Jong was at the top of Ten Hag's summer wish list when the manager arrived at Old Trafford last summer. United agreed a transfer fee with Barcelona but could not persuade De Jong to move to the England. Yet United's situation has improved since.
At the time, United were competing in the Europa League and had not a won a trophy since May 2017. Ten Hag's side ended their silverware drought by winning the Carabao Cup last month and are on course for Champions League qualification.
United are confident a deal to sign De Jong can be reached in the summer, but Xavi has always maintained his desire to keep hold of him. "De Jong will not leave the club," said Xavi in December 2021. "He's not for sale - we consider Frenkie as a key player."
Then, in April 2022, Xavi said, "He is playing at a very good level and has to continue here. He can be one of the best midfielders in the world for years to come. If it were up to me, I would continue here for many more years. He is very important and can mark an era here. He has to score, assist and he has to be the protagonist."
But Xavi did admit De Jong could leave Barcelona last summer, when United's interest peaked. The Spanish giants were suffering financially at the time and could still cash in on the midfielder, with the likes of Pedri and Gavi emerging in recent years.
"I don't know what will happen to Frenkie de Jong... he knows what I think and what the club want and need," said Xavi. "Of course I'm counting on him, he's a great player."
As such, it remains to be seen what will happen with De Jong's future. The Dutchman still has three-and-a-half years remaining on his Barcelona contract.
