Are Manchester City and Barcelona working on a sensational swap-deal?
Manchester City and Barcelona are plotting a sensational swap-deal involving Bernardo Silva and Frenkie De Jong.
After losing Gundogan and failing to sign Declan Rice, who has signed for Arsenal, the Treble winners are desperate to to bolster their midfield. They have already signed Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea, but want another midfielder.
Man City are big admirers of the Dutch international, who is off the back of an excellent season with Barcelona, in which he won his first LaLiga title with the club. Moreover, Pep Guardiola would be happy as he will get another good midfielder for his squad.
Bernardo Silva is also looking to leave City after winning the Champions League, he wants a new challenge. Xavi also admires him and wanted the Portuguese last summer, but Barcelona failed to sign him.
According to journalist Ferran Martinez, Guradiola has promised Silva that he will approve his departure to Barca as long as the offer is good.
Manchester City and Barcelona working on swap-deal involving Bernardo Silva and Frenkie De Jong
According to FootballTransfers, Man City have proposed this swap deal with Barcelona. Which would see them sign De Jong, and Bernardo Silva would head to Catalonia as a result.
Barcelona’s dire financial situation may tempt them to accept this swap deal. Moreover, De Jong is one of the highest earners in the squad, and if he leaves the club, it will generate space in the wage bill.
Manchester United were interested in signing De Jong last summer, but he didn’t want a move to the Old Trafford. His ex-manager Erik ten Hag, also tried to convinced him, but he never wanted to leave Barca.
City value Bernardo Silva at €80 million mark. However, Barcelona value De Jong over €100 million. So, a straight swap looks unlikely.
Moreover, given that De Jong has no intention of leaving Catatonia this summer, this may well spoil Man City’s plans.
It remains to be seen how the situation plays out, but it looks like being a non-starter at this stage.
