Frenkie de Jong Reveals His Condition for a January Move to Manchester City Amid Rodri Injury Crisis

Manchester City’s midfield problems have worsened after Rodri’s injury during the club’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal over the weekend. The Spanish midfielder suffered a serious ligament injury to his right knee. After initial tests in Manchester, he flew to Spain for further evaluation with specialists. Although the club hasn’t provided a definite recovery timeline, early reports suggest Rodri could be out for an extended period, leaving a significant gap in City’s midfield during a critical part of the season.

With Rodri’s absence now a concern, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is looking to reinforce his squad in January to maintain the team’s push for domestic and European success. Sources close to the club indicate that Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong is one of Guardiola’s top targets. The Dutch midfielder has long been a target for City, and with a pressing need for quality midfielders, Guardiola’s interest in de Jong has intensified.

**De Jong’s Conditions for a Transfer**

Though De Jong has always shown loyalty to Barcelona, recent reports suggest he is open to a move to City, but only if Barcelona is willing to let him go. The 27-year-old midfielder has made it clear he won’t force a transfer but would be open to a switch to Manchester City if Barcelona decides to sell him. This condition adds complexity to the potential deal. De Jong’s strong connection to Barcelona remains, but the club’s financial difficulties and ongoing squad changes may present an opportunity for City to pursue the Dutchman.

For Manchester City, signing De Jong would be an exciting prospect. Known for his technical skill, vision, and composure, he would complement Guardiola’s possession-based system. Moreover, De Jong’s experience in high-stakes environments, such as his pivotal role in Ajax’s 2019 Champions League semi-final run, and his consistency for both Barcelona and the Netherlands, makes him a perfect fit for City.

**Manchester City’s Midfield Crisis**

Rodri’s injury comes at a difficult time for City, who are already dealing with other injuries in key positions. Losing Rodri—who has been central to City’s success—would leave a void in midfield. Rodri is crucial for breaking up attacks, controlling tempo, and offering defensive support, and without him, Guardiola has fewer options in the center of the park. While Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, and Ilkay Gündogan are all talented midfielders, none share Rodri’s defensive presence and physicality. As a result, Guardiola may turn to the transfer market to find a player who can provide the stability City needs. De Jong’s versatility and experience make him an ideal candidate.

**Barcelona’s Financial Struggles and De Jong’s Future**

Barcelona’s ongoing financial struggles have been well-documented, leading to tough decisions about player sales to balance the books. The arrivals of high-profile players like Robert Lewandowski, Jules Koundé, and Raphinha, combined with the club’s heavy wage bill, have left Barcelona in a precarious position.

Given their financial situation, there has been speculation that Barcelona may need to offload some star players, including De Jong, if a lucrative offer comes through. While the midfielder remains a key player at Barcelona, the club might consider selling him to help alleviate their financial issues. Barcelona’s management has insisted they do not plan to sell De Jong, and the player himself has expressed his happiness at the club. However, reports suggest he is now more open to considering a move, provided Barcelona agrees to let him leave.

**What’s Next for Manchester City and Frenkie de Jong?**

As the January transfer window approaches, Manchester City’s priority is to strengthen their midfield. Rodri’s injury has made this more urgent, and City will likely pursue De Jong if Barcelona is willing to entertain offers. However, the move hinges on Barcelona’s decision, and whether they will allow one of their key players to depart mid-season remains uncertain.

If the deal goes through, it would be a significant coup for City, both strengthening their midfield and securing one of Europe’s most talented players. As the situation develops, fans of both clubs will be eagerly watching, with the January transfer window likely to bring major developments in the Premier League and La Liga title races.