Barcelona need Frenkie de Jong to terminate his contract in order to register new signings, including Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha.
After Saturday evening's El Clasico friendly match in Las Vegas, Xavi was asked about his opinion of Frenkie de Jong,
'I have spoken with him and he knows I value him a lot as a player. He is fundamental for the team's play.'
Xavi then shifted gear to reiterate the precarious financial drive involved in the de Jong saga, 'then there is, I insist, the financial situation of the team. We have a lot of competition for places.'
The Barcelona manager elected to play the Dutch midfielder in defence, opting for utility player Sergi Roberto as the central-midfielder.
There is, however, a double meaning behind Xavi's final sentence.
'We have a lot of competition for places.'
Indeed, Xavi is referring to the busy Barcelona midfield. But there are issues regarding actual places within the La Liga squad.
Dermot Corrigan of The Athletic reported, 'as things stand, Barcelona remain interested in selling De Jong, despite what Laporta [club president] or Alemany [director of football] might say in public.
They know they cannot yet register Lewandowski or Raphinha to play in La Liga.
Free transfer arrivals Kessie and Andreas Christensen are in the same situation, as are Dembélé and Sergi Roberto, who have agreed new contracts to stay on reduced terms.'
In making this short remark, Xavi has alluded to the over-flowing squad and the financial battle which the club has imposed upon de Jong.
What is a cause for confusion is that de Jong will know that Lewandowski and Raphinha will have signed big contracts with the Catalan giants.
Yet, Erik ten Hag's dream signing is still waiting in limbo for his deferred wages.
And whilst he, along with others including Memphis Depay, are (unwanted) at the club, star signings Lewandowski and Raphinha will not be playing in the upcoming La Liga campaign.
Read More Manchester United Coverage:
Follow The Utd Transfer Room: Twitter | Facebook & Instagram Coming Soon