Xavi wants Dutch duo to stay at Barcelona, will only consider ‘huge’ offers

Xavi Hernandez has made it absolutely clear that he wishes to have the services of midfielder Frenkie de Jong and forward Memphis Depay for the next season.

Communicating his message to president Joan Laporta, the manager seems to have no second thoughts over the availability of the Dutch duo as he considers them ‘be the essential wild cards,’ reports Javier Miguel via Diario AS.

On the other hand, however, the 42-year-old is clearly aware of the ongoing financial crisis, which is basically why he has decided not to hold on to his request for long. But for those looking to break the frame of his mind, the offer must be “totally irresistible.”

AS claims under no circumstances that Barcelona will listen to offers for de Jong that are less than €80 million.

Similarly, for Depay, as much as €30 million would be considered something that could at least begin the negotiation. Anything less than that would be refuted right away.

What if Frenkie de Jong leaves?

Barcelona have a contingency plan in the process. In case they realize they cannot hold Frenkie de Jong for long, they will opt to go with Valencia’s Carlos Soler, with whom, according to the aforementioned outlet, they already have an agreement in place for about €20 million.

Meanwhile, Real Sociedad’s 23-year-old midfielder Martin Zubimendi is being considered as well.

But all this remains a far fetched project as de Jong has been assured that he has Xavi’s full confidence. The manager has, in fact, assured him that he can end up winning a lot at Barcelona.

Why does Xavi want Memphis Depay to stay?

Memphis Depay’s ongoing deal with Barcelona ends in 2023, and the management is in no mood to lose him for free next year. Hence, if the Dutch forward does end up staying, he will be offered a renewal.

For now, he remains a crucial member for several reasons. To begin with, Luuk de Jong will leave at the end of the season and so will Martin Braithwaite and Adama Traore.

Furthermore, if there is no breakthrough in the final meeting with Ousmane Dembele, the Frenchman will be another casualty.

Hence, Xavi believes Depay could provide an important solution even if the team end up signing a winger or even a striker in the summer.