In breaking news, Manchester City are reportedly making plans to make a move for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong next year, with the possibility of a deal even during the upcoming January transfer window not being ruled out. This development comes as a response to the unfortunate news that Rodri will be out for the rest of the season due to a serious knee injury.
Although Torino’s Samuele Ricci has also been linked with a potential move to the Etihad Stadium, reports from Fichajes suggest that De Jong is a top priority for the Manchester club. The 27-year-old’s contract at Camp Nou is set to expire in June 2026, raising speculation that he may depart from the La Liga giants next year.
According to FootballTransfers, Barcelona and De Jong have reached an agreement regarding the midfielder’s deferred wages, which could pave the way for his departure in 2025. In a surprising turn of events, De Jong agreed to defer a significant portion of his salary to aid Barcelona during the pandemic. Now, with the agreement on the unpaid wages settled, the Dutchman could potentially leave the club next summer for a fee of around €18m (£15m).
Despite being a key player, De Jong’s steep wages have motivated Barcelona to consider his exit, especially in light of his recent injury troubles. The Catalan outfit is reportedly open to letting him go, believing that his departure could also generate a substantial transfer fee. Manchester City are monitoring the situation closely and are poised to make a move for the talented midfielder.
De Jong, who is currently recovering from injury, is nearing the final stages of his rehabilitation. Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick provided an update on De Jong’s fitness during a recent press conference, revealing that the midfielder is close to returning to action. Flick expressed optimism about De Jong’s progress, hinting that he could potentially feature in the upcoming Champions League fixture with Young Boys, or more likely make his return against Alaves on October 6.
In conclusion, the potential transfer of Frenkie de Jong to Manchester City is shaping up to be a significant storyline to follow in the coming months, as both clubs navigate the intricacies of the transfer market and player negotiations. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing transfer saga.