Barcelona manager Xavi uses Cristiano Ronaldo as an example to hint at summer plans.
Xavi has suggested at Barcelona's summer transfer plans as he aims to continue his club's revolution, mentioning Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo as an example of age not being an issue.
As he teased the club's summer transfer plans, Barcelona manager Xavi cited Cristiano Ronaldo while insisting age isn't an issue.
Since his appointment in November, the Spaniard has overseen a remarkable resurgence with the Blaugrana, guiding them from 9th to 2nd in the La Liga standings with only two games remaining. The 42-year-old appears set to continue his revolution by adding to his ranks this summer, and the Barcelona manager has hinted at the type of player his team may target.
The cash-strapped Catalan club has already been heavily linked with prolific Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski in recent months, as the 33-year-old Pole fails to sign a new contract with the Bundesliga champions. In reaction to suggestions that Barcelona could pursue an ageing forward, Xavi cited Manchester United legend Ronaldo as proof that age isn't an issue when it comes to potential signings.
When asked about Barcelona's interest in Lewandowski, Xavi said, "When it comes to signing, age doesn't matter to me... We signed Dani Alves at the age of 38!
"Players look after themselves and are more professional. Examples include Alves, [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic, [Luka] Modric, Cristiano [Ronaldo], and Lionel Messi."
After Ronaldo's sensational return to Old Trafford last summer, many questioned whether the 37-year-old would be able to compete in England's top flight. However, the Portuguese superstar has since silenced his detractors, scoring 24 goals in 39 appearances for United this season, including 18 in the Premier League.
While those numbers are impressive, they pale in comparison to Lewandowski's exploits this season. This season, the 33-year-old has scored 49 goals in 45 appearances for Bayern Munich, helping the Bavarians to a 10th consecutive Bundesliga title.
However, it appears that a change of scenery is in the cards for the striker in the near future. Lewandowski's current contract with Bayern expires in the summer of 2023, and it has previously been reported that he has already identified a new club.
While it has been widely reported that Barcelona is interested in signing Lewandowski this summer, Bayern president Herbert Hainer recently stated that the striker will remain with the record Bundesliga champions next season. "Robert Lewandowski has a contract with Bayern until June 2023 - and he will fulfill it," Hainer said, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
The Bavarians are said to have conveyed the same message to Lewandowski's agent, Pini Zahavi, but the declaration is said to have done little to deter Barcelona from pursuing the Pole this summer. While the striker is expected to join the Nou Camp, Frenkie de Jong is expected to leave.
This summer, the Dutch midfielder has been heavily linked with a reunion with Erik ten Hag at Manchester United. Xavi insisted that De Jong remains an important part of his plans, but added that due to the club's financial situation, some of Barcelona's current roster may be sold to make room for new arrivals.
"I've said many times that Frenkie is crucial - he's a key player," Xavi added. "There is also the issue of the club's financial situation, which must be resolved. I'm not referring to Frenkie in general."
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