BREAKING NEWS: Barcelona is set to say goodbye to one of their star players as Pep Guardiola nears a deal to sign the Barcelona playmaker as a replacement for Rodri. Negotiations are currently underway with Joan Laporta, who shocked everyone by announcing his approval of the player’s transfer to Manchester City in January. “Hansi Flick doesn’t want him”!

Pep Guardiola is actively seeking a reliable replacement for Rodri, who has suffered a season-ending injury. This has frustrated Manchester City fans and management, as Rodri plays a crucial role in the team’s success.

To address this, Guardiola has compiled a shortlist of potential midfielders, with notable names such as Martin Zubimendi and Joshua Kimmich under consideration. However, Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong has recently emerged as the top target.

According to a report from El Nacional, De Jong has become an essential player for Barcelona since joining in 2019, thanks to his excellent playmaking ability and tactical intelligence. These attributes have established him as one of the most effective midfielders in world football.

What makes De Jong particularly appealing to Guardiola is his compatibility with Manchester City’s possession-based style. Guardiola has long admired technically skilled players with great vision, a trait De Jong exemplifies, dating back to Guardiola’s time at Barcelona.

Barcelona’s financial struggles could also influence this potential transfer. The club, led by president Joan Laporta, might be willing to sell De Jong in the upcoming January transfer window if a suitable offer is made. De Jong’s substantial salary, one of the highest at the club, could further motivate Barcelona to offload him and create financial room for future signings.

The urgency to replace Rodri might accelerate Manchester City’s efforts to bring De Jong on board. Although this is not the first time De Jong has been linked with a move to Manchester City, the current circumstances make the transfer more feasible than ever. With Rodri sidelined and Barcelona’s financial situation in question, a January deal for De Jong seems increasingly likely.

While the winter transfer window is still a few months away, it is clear that Frenkie de Jong is firmly on Guardiola’s radar. If discussions advance and all parties align, the Dutch midfielder could potentially join Manchester City in the next transfer window, providing a critical solution to their midfield concerns.