Barcelona head coach Xavi has said that "very important player" Frenkie de Jong will stay at the club this summer amid suggestions he could be sold.
The 26-year-old's future is currently the subject of much speculation, with Bayern Munich and Manchester United both believed to be keeping a close eye on the developments.
Paris Saint-Germain have also been credited with an interest, although it is understood that the French champions are not planning a move for the Netherlands international.
Barcelona are under pressure to make some sales this summer due to their financial situation, and a recent report claimed that the Catalan outfit would be willing to listen to large offers for De Jong.
However, Xavi, who has now agreed to stay at Camp Nou beyond the end of the season, has insisted that "nothing has changed" when it comes to the ex-Ajax youngster.
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Xavi not planning for Frenkie de Jong sale this summer
"For me, Frenkie is key and a very important player. Nothing has changed. It is sad that he suffered three injuries this season, especially since he was at a high level," the Barcelona boss told reporters.
De Jong is expected to miss the remainder of the 2023-24 campaign with the ankle injury that he suffered against Real Madrid in La Liga last weekend.
The Dutchman had already spent time on the treatment table with two ankle injuries before picking up the issue in the clash with Carlo Ancelotti's side.
The midfielder is therefore expected to end the season on 30 appearances, while he has now turned out for Barcelona on 213 occasions in all competitions.
De Jong has another two years left to run on his contract at Camp Nou and could be in line for a new deal at the club if he remains beyond this summer.
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Should Barcelona look to sell Frenkie de Jong?
Barcelona will likely make one big-money sale this summer, with Ronald Araujo and Raphinha also being linked with moves away from the club at the end of the season.
If De Jong was placed on the transfer list, there would certainly be offers due to his quality, but whether bids of around £80m - thought to be the club's valuation - arrive is another question entirely.
Xavi is now staying at Camp Nou, and there will be additions this summer, with Barcelona looking to put together a squad capable of challenging for the big trophies once again.
De Jong is a player the club should be looking to build around, as he is at the peak of his powers and is undoubtedly one of the finest central midfielders in European football.
Money talks in football, though, and if there is a substantial offer for the Dutchman this summer, it would be difficult for Barcelona to look the other way considering their off-the-pitch problems.
Matt Law
