Frenkie de Jong has been one of the most talked-about figures in the transfer market this summer, with the Barcelona midfielder being a subject of interest for clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea.
Barcelona themselves were keen on sanctioning the sale of the former Ajax starlet, as part of its plans to reduce the wage bill that is restricting them from registering the new signings.
However, in recent days, there has been a change of heart in the Barça camp, which is seemingly open to the idea of keeping hold of de Jong beyond the summer, reports Mundo Deportivo.
The report suggests the Barcelona board is beginning to entertain the prospect of keeping de Jong, as they rate the player highly due to his technical prowess, experience and age.
With Sergio Busquets currently in the final phase of his career, having an option like de Jong in the team could prove to be beneficial for Xavi.
The Barcelona coach rates de Jong very highly and is aware of the fact that the Dutchman could prove to be an ideal long-term replacement for Busquets in the number six role, especially with the veteran’s contract expiring in 2023.
He will still have to, however, reduce his salary significantly, and fit Barcelona’s new wage cap.
The report from Mundo Deportivo comes just a few days after president Joan Laporta confirmed his desire to keep hold of the Dutch international and labelling him as a valued asset in the team.
Nevertheless, Barcelona still harbour the hopes of signing Bernardo Silva. The Manchester City superstar remains one of Xavi’s desired targets, and with that in mind, it will be interesting to see if Barça consider the sale of de Jong, in order to fund a move for the Portuguese international this summer.