Due to his inability to establish a consistent starting position in midfield, Frenkie de Jong can be used as a central defender, according to Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez.
This season, De Jong has only started four of Barcelona’s 10 games in La Liga and the Champions League, falling behind Pedri, Gavi, Sergio Busquets and newly acquired Franck Kessie in the line-up.
It follows Manchester United’s unsuccessful search for the Dutchman over the summer, despite the team’s success in closing the deal during the transfer window.
De Jong was mentored by United manager Erik ten Hag at Ajax, and the two spoke on the phone this summer to persuade the youngster to join his team at Old Trafford. The initial transfer fee agreed between the Red Devils and Barca to capture the midfielder was £56.2 million, but no deal could be reached.
Deal collapsed due to deferred payments
Given that he is the highest-paid player in Barcelona’s first-team squad and that he is also owed €17 million in previous payments for deferrals and repayments, the team has been open to signing the player.
His position and earning range are less than ideal for a player who doesn’t appear often in the team’s starting XI. The footballer, yes, did not want to leave his club or his life in the Catalan city because he was happy there.
Due to an injury crisis that has ruled out Barca’s best defensive alternatives Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo, he now looks like he can be used in defence. De Jong briefly held the job during the team’s pre-season, but the fact that he wasn’t used to it indicates his rotation within the team is likely to continue.
How did Xavi respond?
Before his team’s La Liga match against Celta de Vigo, Xavi declared: “Frenkie can play as a central defender, that’s something we tried in pre-season and it worked very well. He is a strong and very fast player. However, we also have additional options in that circumstance.
– Commercial –
“We are extremely fortunate to have a large number of versatile players who can play a variety of roles. However, Frenkie is an option there.
Alternatives for Barcelona
De Jong’s future was also believed to be linked to that of Busquets, who is expected to leave the team at the end of the current season when his contract at Camp Nou expires.
Wolves’ Ruben Neves, who has also been on United’s radar, is reportedly their main target for the job, according to Catalan outlet Sport.
Bernardo Silva, a Manchester City standout, remains a target for Barcelona. A swap between Silva and Frenkie de Jong was discussed over the summer but never materialized. The Portuguese international is much admired by Barca manager Xavi Hernandez, who was hoping to sign him.
