Xavi has claimed that Frenkie de Jong is 'the future' of Barcelona following reports suggesting Manchester United were keen to secure his services.
United have made a defensive midfielder a transfer priority this summer as they look to rebuild their squad. De Jong has been named as a possible target for United and these links were strengthened recently when it was reported that the Dutchman was unhappy at Camp Nou.
Erik ten Hag would likely welcome any move for De Jong having managed him at Ajax before he moved to La Liga. But in his pre-match press conference before Barca's fixture against Mallorca, Xavi was keen to stress how highly he rates the 24-year-old.
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"He has to be a player that makes the difference and he does. There aren't many players with his quality in the world," he said.
" 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."
De Jong looked far from happy having been substituted against Rayo Vallecano last weekend but Xavi explained the issue had been resolved. "We had a face-to-face chat this week and it went well," he added. "Obviously being taken off is frustrating for him, but I have to look out for the team."
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