Frenkie De Jong Didn't Play In Midfield In Barcelona Pre Season Friendly

Barcelona gave the biggest hint yet to Frenkie de Jong that he isn't needed at the Nou Camp, by leaving him out of their starting line up and playing him at centre back.

This summer's long and twisting transfer saga between De Jong, Barcelona and Manchester United seems to be never ending, with the Premier League side struggling to sign their top target.

It's been quite obvious that the midfielder doesn't really want to leave the Nou Camp and that Barca are willing to let him go in order to get his wages off the books, as they continue to spend big.

De Jong hasn't exactly hidden the fact he's not happy with how things have been handled, even liking a comment that said as much on social media.

If the 25-year-old is hoping that he can stay and force his way into Xavi's starting XI, then he was given a stark reminder that's unlikely to be the case on Tuesday.

The Spanish giants faced Inter Miami in their first game on tour in the US and De Jong started on the bench before being brought on at half time, along with a slew of other players, only to play in central defence.

Gavi gets number four! pic.twitter.com/Nxh4CIBJsq

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 20, 2022

Instead of the former Ajax midfielder, Xavi started with new man Franck Kessie, who is yet to be registered to play in the league, alongside Nico Gonzalez and Pedri.

The trio all came off at the break, but it was Gavi, Sergio Busquets and Pablo Torre who all played in midfield, with De Jong partnering Ronald Araujo at the back.

Only Kessie and Busquets are older than De Jong and it's the emergence of the four young central midfielders that has made him the obvious departure in the middle of the pitch.

Whilst he reportedly doesn't want to leave, there has been a report that he'd consider going to another Champions League club, rather than United.

Whilst it wasn't a good night for De Jong, some of his current teammates certainly enjoyed themselves, as the Spanish giants battered Phil Neville's Inter Miami side.

Raphinha appeared in his first match for the club, and his highlights were extremely impressive, as he scored one goal and set up two more in the opening 45 minutes.

Memphis Depay also reminded Xavi why he shouldn't be sold this summer, with a brilliant moment of skill to score the team's fifth of the night.