La Masia midfielder’s future dependent on the fate of the Barcelona superstar

With less than a month left before the new season gets underway, there is a cloud of uncertainty looming over the future of Frenkie de Jong.

The Dutchman has been subjected to a move to Manchester United and is facing intense pressure from Barça to leave Camp Nou ahead of the new season.

However, de Jong is not the only midfielder who is facing an uncertain future, as Nico Gonzalez is also unaware of his fate as we head closer to the start of the 2022/23 campaign. The youngster has been considering leaving on loan in search of regular game-time.

But, according to Mundo Deportivo, Xavi has instructed Nico to stay put. He has been informed of his role in the first team, which could elevate further in case de Jong finally departs Camp Nou, in favour of a move elsewhere.

De Jong’s departure could effectively leave Barcelona short on numbers in midfield, despite the addition of Franck Kessie earlier in the month.

Not to mention, Miralem Pjanic is now once again facing an uncertain future. The Bosnian was one of the most impressive players in training earlier this month and was rewarded with inclusion in the trip to the US.

He was set to be given a few opportunities to prove himself, but it appears those plans have been put to halt, as he has returned to Nice for the birth of his second child.

While Barcelona may still offer him chances to prove himself, the likelihoods of Pjanic’s departure remain high, effectively leaving Barcelona without any reliable alternative for Sergio Busquets in the number six slot.

That is where the presence of Nico could become handy, as per Xavi. The Barça coach has drawn up a plan to utilise the youngster in the number six slot next season and he is expected to operate in that position in the upcoming friendly against Inter Miami.