Man City could offer Real Madrid target in Frenkie de Jong swap deal

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 12: The club badge of Manchester City is seen outside the Etihad Stadium during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium on February 12, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 12: The club badge of Manchester City is seen outside the Etihad Stadium during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium on February 12, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)

Manchester City are coming off of a Treble-winning campaign, but they have seen a key player like Ilkay Gundogan leave for Barcelona. On the other hand, they have brought in Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea but it looks like they have one of the Catalan giants’ midfielders in their sights as well and could offer a Real Madrid target to Pep Guardiola’s side in a swap deal.

One Manchester City player who has been linked with a move to Santiago Bernabeu over the years is Bernardo Silva. But till now, it has not materialised.

Even earlier this year, Real Madrid were heavily linked with a move for Silva. Now though, it looks like a switch to Barcelona is much more likely for the Portuguese international.

As reported by Football Transfers, Manchester City have set their sights on Frenkie de Jong. They are considering making a move that will take advantage of Barcelona’s interest in Silva by offering a swap deal.

Manchester City could offer Real Madrid target in De Jong swap deal

While Real Madrid might have been heavily linked with Silva earlier this year, they have signed Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund in a blockbuster move since then. And it is unlikely that the club would try to sign another midfield player anytime soon, even though the Portuguese international is capable of playing on the right flank as well.

Someone like Silva can certainly play for a club like Real Madrid, and they have been linked with him going as far back as to 2019. But the window of opportunity might have passed.

If Silva does end up at Barcelona, it could certainly improve the Catalan giants as a team. Xavi’s side certainly have more options in central midfield than they do in the number 10 role. So, the Manchester City player could be absolutely perfect for them.