Manchester City are reportedly set to demand Frenkie de Jong to sell 26-year-old forward Raheem Sterling to Barcelona.
According to a report by Catalan outlet El Nacional, Barcelona might need to include a key midfielder if they wish to sign Raheem Sterling. Manchester City have demanded that Frenkie de Jong be included in a part-exchange deal for the 26-year-old forward.
Frenkie de Jong joined Barcelona from Ajax in the summer of 2019 and has since continued his upward trajectory. One of the most consistent performers for Barcelona in the last two years, the Dutch international has been a key figure for club and country in this period.
To date, de Jong has featured 106 times for Barcelona, amassing nine goals and 14 assists along the way. However, with the Blaugrana going through a tumultuous period, there have been claims that some of the bigwigs of European football will try to capture him at the earliest opportunity, with one of his suitors being Manchester United.
Fernandinho is in the twilight of his career and could be on his way out of the club next summer. Even if the veteran Brazilian stays put at the Etihad, it will be prudent of Manchester City to sign a long-term replacement. To that end, de Jong is a viable target for the Premier League champions, who are keen on bringing him to the Premier League.
It now looks like Manchester City might have a trick up their sleeves, as they are set to demand de Jong in a part-exchange deal. That is because Barcelona are interested in Raheem Sterling, with a January move for the 26-year-old forward in the works.
Widespread reports have suggested that Manchester City are open to dealing with Barcelona for the English international. However, they are looking to take advantage of the Blaugrana’s precarious financial situation to bring de Jong onboard at the Etihad. The Citizens will also offer €20 million in addition to Sterling to ensure they land de Jong.
However, Barcelona are not open to the prospect of selling de Jong right now and will wait for Xavi to make an assessment before taking the final call. So, it remains to be seen if the Dutch midfielder makes his way to Manchester City or stays put at Camp Nou.
