Roony Bardghji and Frenkie de Jong of FC Barcelona
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Just when Frenkie de Jong’s future at Barcelona appeared to be dominated by questions over his injury, Manchester City have entered the picture.
According to Jose Alvarez Haya on El Chiringuito TV, the Premier League side has enquired about the Dutch midfielder and want to explore the possibility of signing him this week.
It must be remembered that De Jong’s situation has become complicated in recent weeks.
He is currently recovering from injury, his decision to pursue conservative treatment has created concern within the club, and he has dropped out of Barcelona’s captaincy group.
Now comes interest from Manchester City, who are looking to fill the void made by Rodri’s departure, and while Ayyoub Bouaddi is expected to arrive, the Premier League club may still want a more experienced presence.
City see De Jong as experienced midfield option
City’s interest appears to be linked to the need for experience in midfield.
Frenkie de Jong, Barcelona player
Manchester City has asked about Frenkie de Jong. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Bouaddi is regarded as one of the most promising young players in European football, but his expected arrival would not necessarily solve every problem created by Rodri’s exit.
Replacing a player of that level is not simply about finding another talented midfielder; it is also about finding someone capable of handling the responsibility that comes with controlling games at the highest level.
That is where De Jong’s profile stands out.
The Barcelona midfielder has spent years operating under intense pressure at Camp Nou and has built a strong reputation across Europe, which explains why City have made contact to understand his situation.
However, it is important to note that an enquiry does not mean an offer is imminent, but it comes at a moment when Barcelona are believed to be open to listening if the right proposal arrives.
Barcelona are in big dilemma
De Jong is currently injured and has opted for conservative treatment rather than surgery, despite several doctors recommending an operation.
Frenkie de Jong of FC Barcelona
Barcelona are not opposed to selling Frenkie de Jong. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Furthermore, his absence has also affected his standing within the squad, as De Jong is no longer part of Barcelona’s captaincy group, with Hansi Flick linking that change to the midfielder’s injury situation.
Yet his future should not be judged purely through that lens.
Both De Jong and Flick have spoken positively about their relationship, and there is no suggestion that the midfielder has suddenly become unwanted.
However, Barcelona’s midfield is becoming increasingly competitive, with Marc Bernal’s growing importance and Rodri’s arrival.
For that reason, a serious offer could force Barcelona to consider a decision they may not have wanted to make earlier in the summer.
Hamza Abdelkarim of FC Barcelona
Hamza Abdelkarim of FC Barcelona
Alejandro Balde, Barcelona player
Alejandro Balde, Barcelona player