Xavi 'wants Gerard Pique to stay at Barcelona this summer'

The 35-year-old was again a key player for the Catalan giants during the 2021-22 campaign, making 39 appearances in all competitions, scoring three times in the process.

Pique struggled with injury problems last term, though, missing the final four league matches of the 2021-22 season due to an abductor issue.

According to Sport, Xavi informed the former Spain international that he was no longer required at Camp Nou, with the defender free to leave this summer.

However, Marca reports that the Barcelona head coach recently told Pique that there is a spot for him at the club next term providing that he can fully focus on football.

"I want you in my team next season but I want you at 100%," Xavi is believed to have told the former Manchester United youngster.

Pique recently split with long-term partner Shakira, while the defender has a number of business interests outside of football, which Barcelona believe have caused him to take his eye off his main job.

A statement from Shakira read: "We regret to confirm that we are parting ways. For the well-being of our children, who are our highest priority, we ask that you respect their privacy. Thank you for your understanding."

The Catalan side are believed to also owe the centre-back over £34m in wages, but the club are hopeful that an agreement can be reached at a lower fee.

Barcelona are well-stocked in the middle of their defence, with Ronald Araujo and Eric Garcia again expected to be key players next term, while Andreas Christensen is set to arrive on a free transfer from Chelsea.

However, Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti could potentially both leave the club this summer, as the club attempt to reduce their wage bill amid their financial problems.

Pique came through the youth system at Barcelona before leaving for Man United, making 23 appearances for the Red Devils over the course of four years before returning to Camp Nou in 2008.

The experienced defender has now made 603 appearances for the Catalan giants in all competitions, scoring 53 goals and contributing 13 assists in the process.

Pique has won eight La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey crowns and three Champions League trophies during his time at Barcelona.

The centre-back also still has more than three years left to run on his contract at Camp Nou, and he allegedly has no plans to step away from the club in the near future.

Barcelona are still hoping to sign Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich this summer, but the club will have to make a major sale in order to bring new players to the club, with Frenkie de Jong being strongly linked with a switch to Manchester United.