Xavi: I don't know if De Jong will stay at Barcelona

Frenkie de Jong started for the first time in preseason against the New York Red Bulls, and in his natural midfield position after appearing at centre-back in the previous games. Good news for him, perhaps, but what came after wasn’t.

Xavi spoke after the 2-0 win and said: “I don’t know if he will stay.” The club are trying to sell him to help lower their salary levels.

“There’s still time and many things could still happen. for now he’s part of the team, like everyone who is here.

“That he played at centre-back in some games was not a sign that he’s going/ I don’t need signs on the pitch, I can talk directly to my players.”

Xavi explained that against the NYRB “I made many tests and one of those was to see Nico at centre-back, so Frenkie played as an interior. (I’m happy) to have many versatile players, that gives me options.”