Xavi: 'Frenkie de Jong will not be leaving Barcelona'

Barcelona boss Xavi has insisted that Frenkie de Jong will not be leaving the club amid the recent speculation surrounding the Netherlands international.

The Catalan giants are bidding to improve their squad during the January transfer window but will have to sell before they can buy due to their ongoing financial problems.

De Jong has been strongly linked with an exit, with Manchester City believed to be keen to bring the midfielder to the Premier League during the January transfer window.

However, Xavi has firmly denied claims that the 24-year-old could be on his way out of the club, insisting that the Dutchman is "not for sale".

"Frenkie de Jong will not leave the club. He's not for sale - we consider Frenkie as a key player for Barca. The club is working to strengthen the team in the winter transfer window. If a new signing arrives, someone has to leave," Xavi told reporters.

De Jong has again been an important player for Barcelona during the 2021-22 campaign, making 16 appearances in all competitions, contributing one goal and two assists in the process.