Frenkie de Jong showed why Manchester United are so determined to sign him by displaying his world-class quality during Barcelona’s 6-0 win over Pumas UNAM on Sunday night.
The Dutch midfielder has been United’s number one transfer target all summer and financially-troubled Barça want to sell him before the transfer window closes.
However, De Jong is reportedly owed a fortune in deferred wages from his current employers and is likely to stay put at Camp Nou unless the issue is resolved.
The 25-year-old was named among the substitutes for the annual Joan Gamper Trophy on Sunday.
But Xavi sent De Jong on, possibly for his final appearance at Camp Nou, at the start of the second half.
Barça were 4-0 up at the break thanks to goals from Robert Lewandowski, Ousmane Dembele and a brace by Pedri.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 07: Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates with Pedro Gonzalez 'Pedri' and Pablo Martin 'Gavi' after Pedro Gonzalez 'Pedri' scored their team's fourth goal during the Joan Gamper Trophy match between FC Barcelona and Pumas UNAM at Spotify Camp Nou on August 07, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
De Jong replaced Pedri at half-time and reminded Barça fans of his undisputed talent with an excellent second-half performance.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang netted a fifth goal for the Catalan outfit shortly after the interval before De Jong added gloss to the scoreline in the 84th minute.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 07: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of FC Barcelona celebrates with Franck Kessie, Ansu Fati and Frenkie De Jong after scoring his team's fifth goal during the Joan Gamper Trophy match between FC Barcelona and Pumas UNAM at Spotify Camp Nou on August 07, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Video: De Jong's stunning run and pass vs Pumas
However, it’s another clip of De Jong from the match which has subsequently gone viral on social media.
The Netherlands international showcased his incredible abilities with a stunning run from his own half.
De Jong brilliantly span away from Dani Alves, who joined Mexican side Pumas last month after leaving Barça, before effortless gliding past another opponent.
Running at breakneck speed with the ball at his feet, De Jong got his head up and played a delightful pass with the outside of his boot to Aubameyang.
Watch De Jong’s stunning run and pass here:
It would have been one of the best assists we’ve seen in a long time If Aubameyang had scored.
Let’s check out some of the reaction to the clip on social media:
Video: De Jong's goal for Barcelona vs Pumas
Meanwhile, you can watch De Jong score Barcelona’s sixth goal of the night here:
“I don't know what will happen to Frenkie as until August 31 anything can happen,” Xavi said after the match, per the Daily Mail.
“He knows what I think and what the club want and need. Of course I'm counting on him, he's a great player.”