Barcelona have confused fans with a positive update on Frenkie de Jong despite claims that his relationship with Xavi and the club have 'broken down'.
The transfer saga of De Jong has been ongoing for the majority of the summer, and despite an initial £56.2million being agreed between Manchester United and Barcelona, the Dutchman still looks no closer to leaving the club. It's a difficult situation as De Jong does not want to leave, but Barcelona are struggling to justify keeping him due to financial struggles.
Despite previously admitting that the Dutchman will be remaining at the Camp Nou, Barcelona are privately claiming that they are open to his departure this summer. And amid the chaotic situation, De Jong's relationship with officials at the club have broken down, although their social media team has caused confusion once again.
De Jong was one of the first Barcelona players to report to pre-season training on Monday, showing a clear sign of intent that he is ready for the season ahead with the Catalan side, and not with United. Barcelona have reportedly agreed a deal with United despite claiming initially that De Jong is not for sale.
However, the deal has hit a significant stumbling block due to the outstanding payments De Jong is owed by Barcelona, with the club looking to offload him to avoid taking such a financial hit. But the club seemed to welcome his return, as they posted a picture of De Jong training and said: "FDJ first day back and working hard!"
The post has caused confusion after reports of a broken down relationship emerged, with De Jong likely feeling the pressure to be forced out behind the scenes. Diario A S claimed that the bond between De Jong and Xavi was never strong in the first place, but now has become more strained than ever.
Understandably, De Jong is said to feel that the coach does not trust fully in him and that has impacted on his commitment to the club. The report referenced an interview from De Jong earlier in the season, where he revealed: "Xavi has given me confidence. The conversation with him was very good.
"Xavi has told me that he has confidence in me, I have confidence in me. Everyone is happy." However, the body language throughout that interview appeared to suggest otherwise.
Fans speculated that Xavi wasn't convinced by De Jong after Barcelona conceded a late equaliser to Osasuna late last season, as the boss said a passive interview: "We don't have footballers with the total packaging to control the game." It is believed that was a pointed reference to De Jong, whose job in the side’s midfield is to control matches.
United are waiting patiently for an update on proceedings, where as Barcelona are likely to be more time conscious. But a strange transfer situation is currently displeasing all parties.
Barcelona look ready to part ways with De Jong despite their stance, and are growing frustrated as the summer progresses. As too are United, as their window is on hold for the time being.
And De Jong is stuck between a rock and a hard place too, as he either stays at a club where he does not feel wanted, or moves to a club where he doesn't want to play. The saga will come to a conclusion at some point, but details on his location at the start of the season are still unknown.
