Manchester City considering move for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong

Man City makes Frankie De Jong their new target

Manchester City considering move for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong

Stephen Oladehinde 15:34 - 02.07.2023

Man City are reportedly making a move for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong as they look to bolster their midfield this summer.

The Citizens are currently in the transfer market after losing club captain Ilkay Gundogan to Barcelona on a free transfer.

The Premier League winners made a move for Declan Rice last month but later pulled out of the deal after Arsenal’s  £105 million bid was presented to West Ham.

They have now set their sight on the Man United target as Pep Guardiola looks for a new midfielder and will try to persuade Frenkie De Jong to move to the Etihad according to reports.

Frenkie De Jong in action for Barcelona
Frenkie De Jong in action for Barcelona

Man City looking for Gundogan replacement

According to reports, Man City are still in search of a replacement for Ilkay Gundogan after losing out on the Declan Rice deal.

According to sources from Daily Mail, City reportedly offered £90 million to sign Arsenal target Rice, and Barcelona would demand the same amount for their star midfielder.

Manchester United had previously chased De Jong, making valiant attempts to bring the Dutchman to Old Trafford during the entire summer transfer window of the previous year before giving up when he decided to stay in Spain.

However, due to Barcelona's precarious financial state, they will need to sell some of their players and De Jong may be asked to leave if Man City make an alluring offer.

Guardiola admires De Jong 

Man City failed in his first attempt to get De Jong four years ago but Guardiola is reportedly a fan of the midfielder and continues to show interest in him.

He would likely play in a midfield three in the City system with Rodri and John Stones, who found a strong run of success after being used by Guardiola in a hybrid midfield position.

Despite the fact that City's transfer fund has received a much-needed boost as a result of their exploits in winning the Treble, they may still need the Dutchman to lower his salary demands if De Jong is to join them.

According to Daily Mail, De Jong is rumoured to make £400,000 per week after taxes in Barcelona.

If paid similarly at the Etihad as he is at Barcelona, De Jong would immediately rank among the highest-paid players in the Premier League.