Frenkie de Jong vs Ilkay Gundogan: A midfield upgrade for Man City?

With just three matches remaining in the Premier League season and an upcoming FA Cup final, Manchester City has a chance to salvage pride from what has been a challenging campaign. While they have closed the gap to Arsenal, their eyes are also on the future as Pep Guardiola looks to strengthen his squad for the 2025/26 season. One of the areas that could use a refresh is Manchester City's midfield, especially with the departure of key players like Kevin De Bruyne, signaling a need for reinforcements.

In this context, Frenkie de Jong has emerged as a key target for Manchester City. With reports suggesting that a £34 million bid could be on the table, de Jong's move to the Etihad could prove to be a masterstroke in their midfield rebuild. However, is de Jong a worthy replacement for Ilkay Gundogan, whose performance has slightly declined this season?

De Jong’s time at Barcelona has been far from easy. Despite injury setbacks, the Dutch international has still managed to shine, contributing 2 goals and 2 assists this season from just 7 starts. While his numbers may not be as flashy as his early years at Ajax, de Jong has quietly maintained a consistent level of play.

With his incredible passing range and dribbling skills, de Jong is known for progressing the ball and creating chances. These qualities make him a potential fit for Guardiola's style of play, which emphasizes possession, creativity, and a dynamic midfield. At just 27 years old, de Jong has the ability to take his game to the next level, particularly in an environment like Manchester City’s, where the tactical demands are high.

While Gundogan has been a stalwart for City over the years, his performances have started to dip this season. With just 5 goal contributions in the Premier League this year, his influence has waned. In contrast, de Jong's advanced metrics from this season show a clear difference in his impact.

As we compare their performances since the start of the 2022/23 season, we can see why de Jong could be the upgrade City needs. Let's take a closer look at how the two players stack up:

From the stats above, it’s clear that Frenkie de Jong brings a more dynamic and progressive edge to the table compared to Ilkay Gundogan. His pass accuracy is higher, and he excels in progressive carries and passes — making him a more forward-thinking midfielder. De Jong’s ability to drive the ball forward and create key passes aligns with what Guardiola demands from his midfielders, making him a perfect fit for City’s system.

Gundogan, while still a reliable player, has been a bit more reserved in his actions this season. His defensive contributions and progressive play have diminished, which raises the question of whether he can continue at the elite level City requires in the long run.

De Jong’s arrival could bring more energy and creativity to the midfield, something that Guardiola values highly.

Frenkie de Jong’s potential move to Manchester City could mark the beginning of a new era in their midfield. While Ilkay Gundogan has been a valuable asset to the club, de Jong’s style of play offers something more suited to Guardiola’s tactical needs.

The 27-year-old's technical ability, combined with his creativity and defensive work, make him an excellent addition to City’s squad. Should City secure his signature for just £34 million, they may just have bagged a steal — a player who still has plenty of room for growth.

What do you think? Can Frenkie de Jong be the perfect replacement for Gundogan at Manchester City? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!