Xavi has suggested Luuk de Jong could stay at Barcelona beyond the January transfer window after firing his side to “three golden points” against Real Mallorca.
De Jong’s loan from Sevilla was expected to be terminated this month ahead of the forward joining fellow LaLiga side Cadiz for the remainder of the season.
However, the Netherlands international was required against Mallorca on Barca’s return to action on Sunday due to a spate of COVID-19 cases in the Blaugrana camp.
After twice hitting the woodwork, De Jong headed in his second league goal of the campaign in the 44th minute to seal a 1-0 victory for Barca in Palma.
In doing so, he became the first Barca player other than Lionel Messi to hit the frame of the goal twice in a single LaLiga game since August 2019.
And with Xavi still waiting on other players to return to fitness, the recently appointed coach hinted De Jong may yet remain at Camp Nou for the rest of 2021-22.
“He is an example of a professional,” Xavi said at his post-match news conference. “It is said that he can go out, but he works, he sacrifices himself. He is a hell of a professional.
Source: LS
