Xavi and Laporta give latest on Frenkie De Jong after Barcelona thrash Pumas

Barcelona manager Xavi and club president Joan Laporta have reinforced their desire to keep Frenkie De Jong at the Camp Nou, but uncertainty over his future remains.

De Jong played in Barca’s 6-0 romp against Mexican side Pumas in the Joan Gamper Trophy on Sunday, coming off the bench at half-time and scoring the final goal of the game.

Manchester United and Chelsea remain keen to sign the midfielder, while Barcelona want to keep him, but only if he agrees to a wage cut as they try and work a way through their perilous financial situation.

It is an unusual situation for the player, who wants to stay at the Camp Nou and is being told the club wants to keep him, but will justifiably feel aggrieved that his employers are encouraging him to reduce his wages when they have spent millions on new players this summer.

However, the Barca hierarchy are sticking to the line that they value and respect the Ducthman and want him to stay.

Laporta said of the situation: ‘Frenkie is our player and we want him to stay at Barcelona, he wants to stay too.

‘With him and his teammates, we have a very powerful midfield. He has offers, but we want him to stay.’

After the win over Pumas, in which Robert Lewandowski, Pedri (2), Ousmane Dembele and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang also scored, Xavi also backed his player, but admitted things could change while the transfer window remains open.

‘I don’t know what will happen to Frenkie as until August 31st anything can happen,’ said the Barca boss.

‘He knows what I think and what the club want and need. Of course I’m counting on him, he’s a great player.’

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