Title: Manchester City Contemplate Bid for Frenkie de Jong as Barcelona Sets High Price Tag
Introduction:
Manchester City is considering making a move for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong this summer. Pep Guardiola, the manager of City, is eager to strengthen his midfield after missing out on Declan Rice, who joined Arsenal. While City had previously walked away from a deal for De Jong, he has now emerged as a top target for the Premier League champions. However, Barcelona has set a hefty price tag of £90 million for the Dutchman, the same amount City bid for Rice.
Heading 1: City’s Pursuit of Frenkie de Jong
Heading 2: Missed Opportunity with Declan Rice
Heading 3: Barcelona’s High Valuation
Heading 4: Guardiola’s Interest in De Jong
Heading 5: Previous Attempts to Sign De Jong
Heading 6: De Jong’s Contentment at Barcelona
Heading 7: Xavi’s Praise for De Jong
City’s Pursuit of Frenkie de Jong:
According to The Sun, Manchester City is currently contemplating launching a bid for Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona. The club is keen on bolstering its midfield and sees De Jong as an ideal addition to their squad. After previously walking away from a deal, City has now made the Dutchman a top target.
Missed Opportunity with Declan Rice:
City’s pursuit of De Jong comes after missing out on signing Declan Rice, who joined Arsenal. The club had bid £75 million with £15 million in add-ons for Rice, but Arsenal outbid them with a total deal worth £105 million. This setback has further motivated City to secure De Jong’s services.
Barcelona’s High Valuation:
Barcelona has priced Frenkie de Jong at a staggering £90 million, which is the same amount City bid for Rice. This valuation reflects the Spanish giants’ desire to retain the talented midfielder. However, City will need to evaluate whether they are willing to meet this hefty price tag.
Guardiola’s Interest in De Jong:
Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, is a huge admirer of Frenkie de Jong. He had previously attempted to sign the midfielder in 2019, but De Jong chose to join Barcelona instead. Guardiola sees De Jong as a key player who can significantly strengthen City’s midfield.
Previous Attempts to Sign De Jong:
Erik ten Hag, the former Ajax manager, was eager to sign Frenkie de Jong as his marquee signing last year. Barcelona was considering selling top assets to raise funds, and De Jong was on the radar of several clubs, including Manchester United. However, De Jong opted to stay at Barcelona and rejected the chance to reunite with his former boss at Ajax.
De Jong’s Contentment at Barcelona:
Despite Manchester City’s interest, Frenkie de Jong is reportedly happy at Barcelona. He currently earns £400,000-a-week after tax, has three years remaining on his contract, and is a favorite of coach Xavi Hernandez. These factors suggest that De Jong may not be actively seeking a move away from Barcelona.
Xavi’s Praise for De Jong:
Barcelona coach Xavi has expressed his satisfaction with Frenkie de Jong’s performances and leadership on the field. In February, Xavi stated that De Jong had made it clear he wanted to stay at Barcelona and that there was no doubt about his commitment to the team. Xavi sees De Jong as an integral part of Barcelona’s success.
Conclusion:
Manchester City is considering making a bid for Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona to bolster their midfield. Despite Barcelona’s high valuation and De Jong’s contentment at the club, City sees him as a valuable addition to their squad. Guardiola’s admiration for De Jong and the missed opportunity with Declan Rice have further fueled City’s pursuit. It remains to be seen whether City will meet Barcelona’s asking price and secure the services of the talented Dutch midfielder.