Pep Guardiola is on the hunt for a reliable replacement for Rodri, who has suffered a serious injury that will keep him out for the rest of the season. This situation has frustrated both Manchester City fans and management due to Rodri’s key role in the team.
Guardiola has identified several notable options to bolster the midfield, including Martin Zubimendi and Joshua Kimmich, but recently, Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong has emerged as the leading candidate.
According to El Nacional, De Jong has been integral to Barcelona since his arrival in 2019. His playmaking abilities and tactical awareness make him one of the most effective midfielders globally.
De Jong’s fit with Manchester City’s possession-oriented style makes him particularly attractive to Guardiola, who has long valued players with technical prowess and strong vision, dating back to his time at Barcelona.
Barcelona is currently facing financial challenges, and president Joan Laporta might be willing to sell De Jong in January if a suitable offer comes along. The midfielder’s substantial salary, one of the highest at the club, could further incentivize Barcelona to let him go to free up funds for new signings.
Given Manchester City’s urgent need to replace Rodri, negotiations could move quickly. De Jong has been linked to the club before, but the current situation makes a transfer more feasible.
While the winter transfer window is still months away, it’s clear that Frenkie de Jong is on Guardiola’s radar. If discussions progress and all parties reach an agreement, the Dutch midfielder could make his way to Manchester City in January.
