Barcelona sporting director confirms: Frenkie de Jong is staying

Over the past couple of days, there has been a lot of speculation surrounding the future of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

The 24-year-old has grown into a key player under Xavi Hernandez despite some early missteps and is seen as a vital member of the team for the present and the future.

However, the Netherlands international finds himself being a subject of transfer interest from faltering Premier League giants Manchester United.

The Red Devils have recently confirmed that Erik ten Hag will be taking over as their new manager at the end of the season. The 52-year-old trained de Jong while the midfielder was at AFC Ajax before moving to Barcelona.

So, naturally, the links have surfaced as soon as Manchester United made their announcement about appointing ten Hag.

However, Barça manager Xavi Hernandez was quick to brush off these speculations during his press conference on Saturday ahead of the La Liga clash against Rayo Vallecano.

And now, another key Barcelona backroom staff member in director Jordi Cruyff has ruled out the possibility of the Dutch midfielder leaving Camp Nou in the summer transfer window.

Speaking after the Catalans’ shock defeat to Rayo at Camp Nou (h/t BarçaTV+), Cruyff said: “We are not going to sell Frenkie de Jong and he is a very valued player in Barcelona.”

Having arrived from Ajax in 2019 in a deal worth €86 million, de Jong has grown into a key player at Camp Nou. Even though there have been some questions asked over his performances this term, especially in the big games, the 24-year-old has improved under Xavi.

So, as things stand, selling the Netherlands international looks like an unlikely prospect as Barcelona look to build a team around him, Pedri and Gavi as the core of the midfield engine room.