Pep Guardiola convinced struggling Barcelona ace could be a good signing for Man City

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly held talks with Barcelona president Joan Laporta about a potential deal involving Frenkie de Jong moving to the Etihad Stadium.

The 24-year-old midfielder has established himself as first-team regular since his arrival in 2019 from Ajax, making a total of 106 appearances in all competitions, amassing nine goals and 14 assists along the way.

However, the Netherlands international is currently part of an under-performing side at a time when further sales will need to be made in the upcoming transfer windows.

According to El Nacional, Barcelona are now more open to considering offers for De Jong, and City boss Guardiola remains a big fan of him, with the report suggesting he could swap places with Raheem Sterling.

The report states that Barcelona want to sign Sterling from City in the January transfer window, with the defending Premier League champions willing to sell the former Liverpool player for €50 million (£42.79m).

De Jong certainly seems like he could be a good fit for City’s style of play if he can get back to his best. City could view him as a potential replacement for Fernandinho.

With Fernandinho is in the twilight of his career and could be on his way out of the club next summer, It will be prudent for City to sign a long-term replacement.

Manchester City intends to take advantage of the economic crisis that Barça is going through. It is an ideal moment to test the availability of some of its stars, taking advantage of the desperation that there is to get money urgently.

However, considering that the Netherlands international is contracted with Barcelona till the summer of 2026, any move would require both interested parties to shell out a massive sum to prize him away from Camp Nou.

More so, the La Liga club are not planning to sell the Netherlands international until new head coach Xavi has worked with him.