Jordi Cruyff, Barça’s technical secretary, gave an interview on the Tu Diràs program on RAC1 where he spoke about the future of various players, the impossibility of signing in the winter transfer window and a possible rapprochement with Messi for a future return to the club.
“As of today we cannot sign in winter. The situation has changed due to a host of things that come together and make fair play difficult,” Cruyff declared. However, he does not settle and is open to any opportunity, no matter how small. “If we can sign, we are clear about what we want to do,” he said.
Asked about the possible movements in the squad, Jordi Cruyff spoke about Frenkie de Jong, Sergio Busquets and Memphis Depay. In the case of De Jong, he stated that “there is no exit plan” and that the club is counting on him. Regarding Sergio Busquets, he announced that they would wait for his return from the World Cup. “When the World Cup is over, we will talk to him. He has earned every right to decide his future, but the club also needs to plan the squad”
On the future of Memphis, Cruyff opened the door to a possible departure for the Dutch footballer. “We are going to see what happens. In the summer he had the option of leaving, but in the end his departure could not be finalized. With Lewandowski being suspended for three games we will see what happens because if there were any injuries it could be necessary,” he declared.
Cruyff also confirmed that the club is already working on the renewals of Alejandro Balde and Iñaki Peña, and denied that Xavi Hernández came to Barça for a short period of time. “The initial plan to bring Xavi and Xavi himself has not been thinking in the short term,” he said.
Regarding the rumors that point to a possible return of Messi to the Barça club, the sports director said that both he and the president Joan Laporta are clear that there must be a rapprochement with a legend like him. “Barça and Messi have to get together again. It may be after their career. But it’s clear that that final embrace between a club and a huge player is missing. They both deserve it”, he concluded.
During the interview Jordi Cruyff gave the name of Mohammed Kudus. The young Ghanaian footballer from Ajax is being one of the sensations at the Qatar World Cup and Cruyff admitted that he has his eye on him. “I saw him play a year ago and I have followed his career at Ajax. We are not at the point of saying ‘Barça wants this player’, far from it. But he is a player who has drawn attention for his performance and his goals in the World Cup,” he explained.
He also had time to flatter Guardiola, but he was not forceful regarding his possible return to Barça. “He is marking an era as a coach. He has reached the level of being able to choose his destiny. There are very few who have reached that point,” he declared. “Whether he returns to Barça or not? I have no idea. I think he is very happy at City”, he declared.
