According to Spanish outlet Sport, Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has clearly told the club that Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong cannot be sold this summer. In his opinion, de Jong is not only a key player but also an indispensable core in the new tactical system. After a deep conversation with de Jong, Hernandez has planned a new role for the player – a defensive midfielder, a transformation expected to occur after de Jong recovers from his ankle injury. He is expected to return in September.
Hernandez’s plans never included signing a new midfielder, especially in the holding midfielder position. After understanding the club’s financial situation and transfer strategy, he agreed to allocate the limited funds to strengthen the attack, particularly pursuing Dani Olmo and a left winger, with Nico Williams being the primary target. Hernandez believes the current midfield squad is strong enough, and no new additions are needed unless players leave.
During the pre-season, with several key midfielders injured, Hernandez had to rely on youth player Marc Bernal-Casado to fill the gap. However, he has a clear tactical plan: to build a defensive shield in front of the backline with de Jong as the core. This idea has been accepted by de Jong. He is optimistic about his future and his current priority is to fully recover from his ankle injury so he can play a crucial role in Hernandez’s system.
Hernandez prefers a double-pivot midfield configuration, which means the roles of Pedri and Gavi need to be clarified, especially since both have been struggling with injuries. Meanwhile, Ilkay Gundogan might face tougher competition for playing time. Hernandez has firmly stated that de Jong’s position in the team is unshakeable and he won’t be sold even if Premier League giants show interest in the Dutch midfielder.
Barcelona hopes that under Hernandez’s guidance, de Jong can improve his performance. As long as de Jong feels important in the team, the club is confident in completing his contract renewal by the end of the year. For de Jong, this trust is not only a confirmation of his commitment but also a motivation to return to his best.
This article is from a user submission and does not represent the views of Soccer News Pick. If you repost it, please indicate the source: https://www.soccernewspick.com/la-liga/25372.html
