How Frenkie De Jong’s relationship with Xavi has ‘broken down’
Suraj Radia
- 12 Jul 2022 18:12 BST
- 3 min read
Frenkie De Jong’s relationship with Barcelona boss Xavi is said to have ‘broken down’ as the midfielder edges closer to a move to Manchester United.
United are believed to have agreed a fee in the region of €85 million to sign De Jong but the deal is being held up due to the club owing the Dutchman more than €20m in unpaid wages.
Barca are said to be willing to part with De Jong despite publicly suggesting the 25-year-old was not for sale, with the incoming fee necessary to fund moves for Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha.
De Jong is reluctant to leave Barca and reports suggest he feels forced out by the club after they informed him that he would either need to take a wage cut or be sold.
Although he understands the club’s economic concerns, De Jong feels he does not have the trust of Xavi and has been left feeling isolated by the speculation surrounding his future.
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’Disgusted’ De Jong’s difficult dilemma
A report in Spanish media has described De Jong as feeling ‘disgusted’ by Barcelona’s treatment of him, having been told of the situation in a phone call with club officials.
De Jong is also frustrated by the continued remarks by manager Xavi labelling him as an important player who he doesn’t want to lose, despite privately accepting the need to sell the ex-Ajax man.
Despite being tempted by the prospect of a reunion with United boss Erik ten Hag, De Jong is unconvinced at joining a side who will not be playing Champions League football next season.
However, he is not keen on staying at a club where he is not wanted and his deteriorating relationship with both Xavi and Barca officials could force his hand.
De Jong returned to pre-season training this week but, after meeting with Xavi for talks over his future, it is believed their relationship is more strained than ever, having never been that strong in the first place.
📸 — Xavi meeting Frenkie de Jong in person for the first time since the transfer saga began. pic.twitter.com/CUL01LFvaq
— centredevils. (@centredevils) July 12, 2022
De Jong has been pushed to the exit door by Xavi’s acceptance of his departure in spite of assuring the playmaker that he wanted to keep him.
Once the issue of De Jong’s deferred wages is resolved, it is believed that he will eventually accept his fate and sign for United.
