Barcelona head coach Xavi has admitted that Frenkie de Jong is a "very important player" in his plans for both the here and now and for the future amid ongoing links with a move to Manchester United.
Following Erik ten Hag's appointment as United boss just over a week ago, links connecting De Jong with a move to Old Trafford have escalated. The midfielder played under Ten Hag at Ajax and was a roaring success.
He joined Barcelona from the Dutch giants in the summer of 2019, in a deal worth more than £60million. Despite joining the Spanish club as one of the most exciting, attention-grabbing youngsters in world football at the time, he has struggled to live up to expectations in La Liga.
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In 136 appearances for the club, he has netted just 13 goals and grabbed 17 assists. Furthermore, he has struggled to replicate the level of performances that he produced at Ajax.
But with United going to be under the management of Ten Hag next season, plus the fact that the club is desperate to sign a midfielder, reports connecting De Jong with a reunion with his old manager have significantly increased. However, Xavi has moved to play down the prospect of the midfielder leaving the club, outlining how he could be a valued player in what he is trying to implement at the Camp Nou.
"He has to be a player that makes the difference and he does," Xavi said. "There aren't many players with his quality in the world.
"He's the present and the future [at Barca]. He is a very important player for me.
"He's capable, strong, he gets into the box... He has had some excellent games, but he has to be consistent. We had a face-to-face chat this week and it went well.
"Obviously being taken off is frustrating for him, but I have to look out for the team."
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