MY ACCOUNT
Xavi never doubted Frenkie de Jong’s commitment to Barcelona amid speculation linking the midfielder with a move to Manchester United last year.
United identified De Jong, who came through at Ajax under Erik ten Hag, as a priority target ahead of their new manager’s first season in charge.
A move never materialised, with United instead buying Casemiro from Real Madrid.
Casemiro has gone on to solidify himself as one of the most impressive midfielders in the Premier League, but ahead of Thursday’s Europa League encounter between United and Barca, Xavi said De Jong never wanted to leave the Blaugrana.
“I think he was really clear to me: he wanted to stay with us. So there was no doubt,” Xavi said at a press conference.
“Now he’s our player, I’m really happy and satisfied with his performances, his leadership. He’s in a very good moment, like all the team.
“I think Frenkie is enjoying on the pitch and this is the most important thing.”
De Jong has played 26 games for Barca this season, starting 20 and scoring twice.
Xavi’s version of events tallies with reports from the time that suggested Barca were attempting to push the midfielder towards a transfer, rather than the other way around, in order to ease their financial issues.
Thursday’s encounter with United at Camp Nou has been overshadowed by allegations of Barca having paid €1.4million to a company part-owned by former LaLiga referee Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira between 2016 and 2018.
Barca president Joan Laporta vowed to “defend the honour and interests of Barcelona”, saying it was “no coincidence” the allegations had come out with the Blaugrana sitting 11 points clear of Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga.
