Premier League giants Manchester City are reportedly prioritising a summer move for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
According to The Times, reigning Premier League champions Manchester City are prioritising a move for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong this summer. The Dutchman is said to be on Manchester United’s radar as well, with Erik ten Hag eager to reunite with the former Ajax talisman.
The Cityzens are set to lose Fernandinho this summer and are in the market for a replacement. They have been linked with West Ham United’s Declan Rice, who is also on Manchester United’s wishlist, but the Englishman is set to cost a fortune, with reports claiming he has a price tag of £150 million.
De Jong, on the other hand, is expected to cost much less and Barcelona could sell him for around £60 million. The Catalan giants are still trying to fix their wage bill issue and will be willing to sell the midfielder if the right offer arrives, the aforementioned report claims.
The situation could work in favour of both the Manchester-based club, who are showing serious interest in the Dutchman. Though De Jong has clarified that he is happy at Camp Nou, reports of a possible exit continue to make rounds.
Ten Hag’s impending arrival at Manchester United has provided even more fuel to the rumours of a possible exit for de Jong. The two worked together at Ajax before the Netherlands international was snapped up by Barcelona in 2019. The midfielder thrived under ten Hag, which justifies United’s interest in him.
Manchester City, meanwhile, are looking to add a central midfielder and a striker this summer. Both Rice and de Jong have been linked as possible Fernandinho replacements, while Erling Haaland is their primary target for the centre-forward position.
However, Manchester City have decided not to pursue Rice due to their pursuit of Haaland as they do not wish to spend over £100 million on the England international. It has led to them prioritising a move for de Jong, who could be available for much lesser than the West Ham United midfielder.
Barcelona manager Xavi insisted that the 24-year-old is a part of his plans. However, at the same time, reports claim that the Catalans would be open to a sale due to their financial problems. So, it remains to be seen who among Manchester City and Manchester United can come out on top in the race to sign de Jong.