Joan Laporta has handed Erik ten Hag an enormous blow forward of the upcoming January switch window by claiming he’s not concerned about promoting midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
The Dutch star was Manchester United’s No 1 goal in the summertime switch window, although the participant was unwilling to make the transfer and ended up staying at Barcelona.
United have additionally entered the race for Jude Bellingham however might nonetheless make a transfer for De Jong as properly, with the Dutchman set to return from a quarter-final exit from the World Cup – though Barca might search to cut back his wage.
Joan Laporta admitted that he was not concerned about promoting Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong
‘In midfield I’ve by no means needed to promote Frenkie de Jong as a result of he is among the greatest gamers now we have,’ claimed Laporta.
‘He is among the nice abilities, younger, and one of many leaders of the crew.’
United have good motive to hunt a deal for the midfielder, who has performed 13 of Barcelona’s 14 LaLiga video games up to now this season – with the Blaugrana at present high of the desk.
Barca chief Laporta described De Jong as ‘one of many nice abilities’ and considered one of his aspect’s leaders
With Sergio Busquets’ future on the membership lower than sure together with his deal operating up on the finish of the season, De Jong’s place within the aspect might but turn out to be extra essential with a vaccum on the coronary heart of the midfield set to emerge.
And the 25-year-old will turn out to be virtually the senior determine in the midst of the park for Xavi’s aspect, with the likes of Gavi and Pedri additionally taking part in key guidelines beneath the previous Blaugrana skipper.
Regardless of their younger ages – 18 and 20 respectively – each Spanish internationals have featured in each league recreation for Barcelona this season, and each performed essential roles for Spain in Qatar.
Erik ten Hag’s aspect had been within the midfielder and made a number of approaches final summer season
And their prominence for each membership and nation has seen the pair naturally in comparison with La Roja and Barca legendary companions Xavi and Andres Iniesta.
‘Xavi has at all times been like that, he has by no means preferred to point out off, that’s why he stated that Pedri and Gavi are higher than him and Iniesta,’ claimed Laporta.
‘Clearly the comparability is logical, they play in the identical positions and are comparable however they’re conscious that to achieve the extent of Iniesta or Xavi they need to work arduous and that’s the place we’re.
‘Gavi is wilder, and Pedri is extra targeted. They each have a household setting that has helped them so much. Their mother and father are extraordinary.’
Pedri and Gavi (R) have emerged as key stars for Barce regardless of their ages – 20 and 18 respectively
