Pep Guardiola is on the lookout for a reliable replacement for Rodri, who has suffered a serious injury that will keep him out for the entire season.
This situation has caused frustration among Manchester City fans and staff, given Rodri’s significance to the team.
To strengthen the midfield, Guardiola has identified several prominent players, including Martin Zubimendi and Joshua Kimmich. Recently, the Barcelona midfielder has become the frontrunner for this role.
A report from the Spanish newspaper *El Nacional* highlights that since joining Barcelona in 2019, Frenkie de Jong has become essential to the squad. His passing abilities and tactical awareness rank him among the best midfielders globally.
De Jong’s fit within Manchester City’s possession-oriented style makes him particularly attractive to Guardiola, who has long valued players like him with strong technical skills and vision since his Barcelona days.
Meanwhile, Barcelona is facing financial challenges, and club president Joan Laporta may consider selling De Jong in January if the right offer comes along. The report also notes that De Jong’s high salary, one of the highest at the club, could incentivize them to let him go to make room for new signings.
With the urgent need to replace Rodri, negotiations may proceed quickly, especially since De Jong has been linked to Manchester City before, but current conditions make the transfer more feasible.
While the winter transfer window is still months away, it’s clear that Frenkie de Jong is on Guardiola’s list. If talks progress and all parties are in agreement, the Dutch midfielder could join Manchester City in January.
