Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong will be joining Manchester City after Pep Guardiola pulled the plug on a potential deal. 📌

Manchester City is reportedly making an ambitious bid to acquire Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona, even proposing a player-plus-cash exchange involving Bernardo Silva. City has a history of player transfers with Barcelona, with players like Joao Cancelo, Sergio Aguero, Ferran Torres, and Ilkay Gundogan having recently moved between the clubs. Pep Guardiola’s close connection to Barcelona has facilitated these transfers, and now City is said to be leveraging that relationship in pursuit of de Jong.

Bernardo Silva has long been admired by Barcelona, though financial constraints have prevented a move. The Portuguese star remains a key player for City, yet recent reports suggest he’s open to a new challenge. While his contract includes a £50 million release clause and PSG has shown interest, Barcelona’s financial issues make a direct purchase unlikely. Instead, City’s reported proposal includes Silva and €30 million (around £25.5 million), totaling approximately £75.5 million.

City manager Pep Guardiola is eager to pair de Jong with Rodri in midfield, seeking a “luxury companion” for the Spaniard. Although Barcelona has been hesitant to part with de Jong, especially after fending off Manchester United’s pursuit under Erik ten Hag, they might be open to a deal if it strengthens their squad. Nevertheless, Barcelona still values de Jong at around €90 million (£76.6 million), a sum that poses a challenge for many of his suitors.

Whether this player-plus-cash offer meets Barcelona’s requirements remains to be seen, but City’s strong interest in de Jong highlights their commitment to enhancing their midfield options alongside Rodri.