Manchester City are considering a move for Frenkie de Jong, with Barcelona reportedly willing to allow him to leave on loan.
According to Spanish news site Fichajes, Manchester City are considering a move for Frenkie de Jong, with Barcelona reportedly open to a loan exit. Any potential agreement could include an option to buy, as Enzo Maresca is eager to sign several midfielders before the transfer window closes.
Manchester City are set for a frantic end to the transfer window, amid reports of multiple departures from the club. Midfield is a major concern for Maresca, who could begin the season with Matteo Kovacic and summer signing Elliot Anderson, while Rico Lewis and Nico Gonzalez may be his options from the bench.
Gonzalez has also been linked with Newcastle United, as per reports. Rodri’s arrival at Barcelona may displace De Jong and prompt an exit. Such a loan would reduce Barcelona’s wage bill, influenced by their recent decision to send Ronald Araujo on loan to Liverpool.
Manchester City recently enquired about Adam Wharton, per David Ornstein, but Crystal Palace rejected the bid. Manager Pierre Sage has since confirmed that the English midfielder will remain at the South London club, thus narrowing City’s options with the transfer deadline fast approaching.
However, Frenkie de Jong’s ongoing injury raises significant doubt over whether Manchester City will move forward with a deal for the 29-year-old Barcelona star, despite his tactical fit as a direct Rodri replacement, with the two midfielders matching in profile.
Manchester City’s summer window outlook
Aside from the links with Frenkie de Jong, Manchester City are expected to have a busy end to their summer transfer window, with several deals likely to be completed. Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi is expected to arrive, according to reports, with talks with the French club at an advanced stage.
Manchester City are also expected to sell Savinho and Omar Marmoush, with Tottenham pursuing a potential double deal. If both players depart, Manchester City will look to bring in replacements.
However, the number of players who could leave may raise doubts over how many arrivals the Premier League club can realistically complete in the time remaining before the summer transfer window slams shut.