Barcelona president Joan Laporta has ruled out any chance of Frenkie de Jong leaving the Catalan club, insisting that the midfielder is not for sale.
The Dutchman was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United in the summer transfer window, however, it is understood that an issue regarding his deferred wages meant that De Jong was unwilling to leave Camp Nou.
Despite this, MEN Sport revealed last month that Erik ten Hag was open to another bid for his former player should the opportunity arise. It has been reported that De Jong had given personal reassurances to the United boss that he would be open to a switch to Old Trafford.
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United instead opted to sign Real Madrid defensive midfielder Casemiro, who has made 22 appearances in all competitions since his summer switch. While the Reds are expected to continue monitoring De Jong's situation, Barcelona president Laporta has claimed that he will not be leaving.
"About De Jong, I admit there were clubs interested in buying him last summer, but he was not for sale and he won’t be," said Laporta on Thursday.
"De Jong is a very appealing footballer, we know that, but I insist he’s not for sale. No matter what can be discussed in internal meetings, there’s a club opinion above everything. And from the club point of view, De Jong is not for sale."
De Jong, who is under contract until 2026, has made 18 appearances in all competitions for Xavi's side so far this season, registering two goals and an assist.
Xavi recently sent a clear message to United and any other interested parties that Memphis Depay, who has also been linked with a move to the Reds, was not for sale.
"I don't want Memphis [Depay] or any other player to leave in January. I think it's going be a quiet window for us," Xavi said.
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