Reported former Liverpool target Frenkie de Jong has been hailed as one of the world’s best midfielders.
The Reds were linked with a move for De Jong in the final throes of last summer’s transfer window. With the Dutchman determined to stay at Barcelona though, a move never happened.
And now, in quotes from The Athletic, Barca manager Xavi has given De Jong some heavy praise.
“He’s been at an extraordinary level for months now. He goes through the middle to receive, generates superiority,” gushed the World Cup winner. “He loses few balls, breaks lines. He’s one of the best midfielders in the world.”
Liverpool are still on the hunt to upgrade their midfield. But it’s now clear that signing De Jong is no longer an option for them.
De Jong proves his point
It was as recently as October that Liverpool were still said to be eyeing De Jong. There were even claimed to have been discussions held with the 25-year-old’s representatives.
That was reportedly in view of a potential transfer happening in January. But throughout very strong links with a move away, De Jong has been insistent that he wants to stay at Barca.
And despite his club reportedly agreeing a £57m fee with Manchester United last year [ESPN], he eventually got his way.
As it turns out, that was a big stroke of luck for Barcelona. Although they were keen to get his wages off their books amid crippling financial issues, De Jong has been huge for them this season.
Had they got their way in the first place, he would no longer be a ‘Cule.’ But since their attempt to force him out of Camp Nou, the Netherlands international has seemingly taken it upon himself to prove his club wrong.
De Jong has played but in all but two of Barca’s 25 La Liga games this season, helping them to a nine-point lead over Real Madrid. He’s absolutely a key man for Xavi. No wonder the 43-year-old thinks so highly of him. Should Liverpool be minded to test the Catalan’s resolve in the coming window, it’s now clear what their answer would be. Time to let this one go.