Manchester City are reportedly mulling over submitting a bid to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong.
Pep Guardiola’s side are keen on signing another central midfielder this summer despite already completing the £25m signing of Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea. City wants a replacement for Ilkay Gundogan, who left for Barcelona this summer and sees Frenkie De Jong as the perfect player to fill the void left by the former City captain.
According to a report by The Sun, Guardiola is seriously thinking about entering the market for the Dutchman, who was subject to several bids from City rivals Manchester United last summer. Erik ten Hag tried unsuccessfully to sign De Jong last summer, with Barcelona and United agreeing on a fee.
But the 26-year-old was unwilling to move to Old Trafford, preferring to stay at Camp Nou. His decision to remain in Spain was justified, as he had a productive campaign, winning the La Liga title with his club.
But a move to the Etihad may be too tempting to turn down for De Jong, and City feel they could have more luck convincing the 26-year-old to move to the Premier League.
According to the Sun, Guardiola is weighing whether to bid for the Dutch international as he attempts to build a squad that can successfully defend their historic treble. Barcelona’s tricky financial situation also makes the deal likely.
The Camp Nou side will have to sell some players this summer to fund new arrivals, and De Jong could be sold if Man City makes a tempting offer.
The 26-year-old earns £400,000 a week after tax at Camp Nou. He has three years left on his agreement and retains the backing of coach Xavi.
But Barca would like his wages off the books and know that Man City have cash for a top-class midfielder after the race for Declan Rice. The Cityzens could bid up to £90m for Re Jong, having seen their offer of the same amount the West Ham United’s captain rejected.
