Manchester City have reportedly turned their attention to Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong as Enzo Maresca continues a major rebuild of his midfield.
City have already signed Elliot Anderson and are closing in on Lille youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi, but another major addition could arrive before the transfer deadline.
De Jong has now emerged as a surprise target.
City show strong De Jong interest
According to El Chiringuito journalist Jose Alvarez Haya, Manchester City are showing “a lot of interest” in the Netherlands international and are “very keen” on securing his signature.
Maresca’s midfield has undergone significant changes following the departures of Rodri and Bernardo Silva.
City have also been linked with Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández, but De Jong now appears to be another serious option being considered.
The 29-year-old would bring significant experience to a midfield increasingly being rebuilt around younger players such as Anderson and Bouaddi.
Injury holding up potential move
The major concern surrounds De Jong’s fitness.
Barcelona confirmed in July that the midfielder suffered a tear to the medial collateral ligament in his right knee while representing the Netherlands at the World Cup.
He is undergoing conservative treatment, but Barcelona have not provided a definitive recovery timeframe.
Manchester City therefore want assurances over his physical condition before deciding whether to submit an offer.
A decision could reportedly come this week.
There are reasons to treat the claims with some caution, however. De Jong only signed a new Barcelona contract until 2029 last October, and there is currently no reported offer from City.
Key Points
- Manchester City are reportedly very keen on Frenkie de Jong as Maresca rebuilds his midfield.
- City want assurances over De Jong’s knee injury before making a potential offer.
- The midfielder is contracted to Barcelona until 2029 after signing a new deal last year.
- A decision on whether to make an offer could arrive this week as the transfer deadline approaches.
What’s Next?
City’s next move depends heavily on the medical information they receive regarding De Jong’s recovery.
If they are satisfied with his condition, the Premier League side could make a late approach to Barcelona. For now, though, their interest has not developed into a formal offer.
Would Frenkie de Jong be the right final piece for Manchester City’s new-look midfield?
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