Barcelona’s Frankie de Jong (Twitter)
Xavi doesn’t want de Jong to leave but will let him go if Barcelona can include either Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva or Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski.
Barcelona midfielder Frankie de Jong’s future still remains uncertain, amid rumors that the Dutchman has left the Spanish club in the upcoming transfer window. European giants such as Manchester United and Manchester City have reportedly expressed their desire to acquire the 25-year-old’s services in the upcoming season.
After a disastrous 2021-22 season, Barcelona coach Xavi will be aiming to make major changes to the team. According to Mundo Deportivo, Xavi doesn’t want de Jong to go away, but if Barcelona can include either Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva or Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski, he will let him.
Xavi publicly disclosed that de Jong was an essential part of his system. On several occasions, he also said that selling the midfielder would be considered necessary in order to strengthen the team and free up pay.
Adding a world-class striker like Lewandowski is one of the primary goals of the 42-year-old Barcelona manager in the upcoming transfer window. He believes that Blaugranes currently lacks the ability to score after the departure of players such as Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Antoine Griezmann.
Lewandowski is not the only player Barcelona want to sign as Xavi has expressed his desire to sign Portuguese midfielder Bernardo Silva. The 27-year-old attacking midfielder is considered a perfect replacement if de Jong moves into the summer transfer market. Xavi said Silva has similar “technique and style”.
De Jong had average outings for Barcelona last season. He scored three goals and assisted thrice in the 2021–22 La Liga season after playing 32 matches. He failed to deliver his full time on the pitch and was often dropped for either Gavi or Nico Gonzalez.
During Barca’s clash against Rayo Vallecano in La Liga, de Jong was seen disappointed after being knocked down in the 60th minute. The Catalan giants suffered a 0–1 loss in that game.
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