Xavi puts Frenkie de Jong ‘up for sale’ because of to two academy starlets

New Barcelona boss Xavi has already made his first major decision of his tenure as he has reportedly transfer-listed Frenkie De Jong.

De Jong signed for the Catalan side in 2019 after impressing for a rampant Ajax side in the Champions League.

However, De Jong didn't hit the ground running at the Camp Nou, and it took him some time to find his feet.

But once De Jong had started to run at Barca, he didn't stop, and the Dutchman has risen to be one of Barcelona's most influential stars.

According to Spanish-outlet El Chiringuito, De Jong could be on his way out of Catalonia.

Barcelona are still in the midst of a financial crisis, the same crisis that saw Lionel Messi leave over the summer.

And if Xavi wants to raise funds to bring in his targets, players will have to be moved to the chopping block.

The Blaugrana are reportedly interested in Manchester City star Raheem Sterling and RB Leipzig's Karim Adeyemi.

And due to the lofty fee that De Jong would command, he could be sacrificed by the new boss to secure his targets.

Do you think Barcelona can afford to let De Jong leave? Let us know in the comments section

Xavi also reportedly feels comfortable in letting De Jong go due to the strength in depth in Barcelona's midfield.

Youngsters Pedri and Gavi have impressed at the Camp Nou, and Gavi, a La Masia graduate, has been compared to Xavi himself.

Xavi also has Riqui Puig and Nico at his disposal, while Sergio Busquets and Sergi Roberto offer more experienced options in the centre of the park.

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De Jong was one of Europe's hottest prospects after he conducted the Ajax orchestra to the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Barcelona fought hard for his signature as City and Juventus made plays for the Dutch midfielder.