Transfer Centre

Barcelona to use Frenkie de Jong in offer for Bernardo Silva?

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 16 July 2023

Barcelona are willing to offer Frenkie de Jong to Manchester City in an attempt to sign Bernardo Silva this summer, according to a report.

Barcelona are reportedly willing to offer Frenkie de Jong to Manchester City in an attempt to bring Bernardo Silva to Camp Nou during this summer's transfer window.

The Catalan outfit are said to be firmly in the hunt for Bernardo this summer, with the club determined to win the race for his signature amid interest from a number of Saudi Arabian clubs.

However, Xavi's side are not in a position to make any big-money acquisitions in the current market due to their financial problems, with their two signings thus far, Ilkay Gundogan and Inigo Martinez, arriving on free transfers.

According to FootballTransfers, Barcelona are aware of Man City's interest in De Jong and are considering using the Netherlands international in a swap deal.

De Jong remains determined to remain at Camp Nou this summer, as was the case last year, when he continued to reject interest from Manchester United.

Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong pictured during training on February 22, 2023 © Reuters

However, Man City are said to be confident of turning the Dutchman's head, with the Citizens winning the treble last season to cement their spot as currently the best club side in Europe.

De Jong was again an important player for Barcelona during the 2022-23 campaign, making 43 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice and contributing four assists in the process.

The 26-year-old has another three years left to run on his contract, but the Catalan outfit are believed to be willing to let him leave due to his substantial salary.

Bernardo, meanwhile, was again a vital player for Man City last season, featuring on 55 occasions in all competitions, scoring seven goals and registering eight assists in the process.

Manchester City's Bernardo Silva pictured during the warm up before the match on December 28, 2022 © Reuters

The 28-year-old has another two years left to run on his contract at the Etihad Stadium, and the Citizens are believed to be willing to offer him a new deal.

However, Bernardo is said to want an exit for personal reasons, with the Portuguese thought to be keen to move closer to his homeland at this stage of his career.

Man City are thought to value the attacker in the region of £70m, while Barcelona are believed to have quoted Man United just over £80m for De Jong during the negotiations last summer.

Pep Guardiola's side were strongly linked with Declan Rice early in the transfer window, but Arsenal have since won the race to sign the midfielder from West Ham United.

The Citizens are in the market for a replacement for Gundogan, while Barcelona head coach Xavi is said to view Bernardo as his leading attacking target during the summer window.