Raphinha Barcelona
Camp Nou FC Barcelona

Barcelona are heavily invested in signing Bernardo Silva but for this move to happen, the Spanish side will get rid of Frenkie De Jong.

Bernardo Silva and Barcelona is a love affair waiting to happen because the Manchester City midfielder dreams of playing for Barca and he is even ready to take a pay-cut to sign for the Catalans in the summer.

Likewise, Barcelona are also very interested in having Silva on board but their finances are proving to be a stumbling block right now. Barcelona will need to bring in major funds from player sales this summer and if they can sell Frenkie De Jong for a lucrative fee they should be able to pay Bernardo Silva’s £50 million release clause.

Will Manchester United once again try to sign Frenkie De Jong?

Previously, Manchester United have almost gone down on their knees to sign Frenkie De Jong but the midfielder chose to remain at Camp Nou.

Barcelona did not have any major need to offload him last year but their urgency is far greater this time around so they will be actively hearing offers for the Dutch midfielder. However, FDJ is the highest earner at the club right now, earning £620,000 per week and he has no intentions of leaving any time soon.

Erik ten Hag has been desperate to bring Frenkie De Jong to Manchester United because he believes the 26-year-old is the key to implementing the style he wants to play so if Barcelona put him up for sale at the end of this season then United will come knocking once again. Obviously, Ten Hag’s future at the club is uncertain but if a player of his calibre is available in the market then Man United will make a move anyway.

Manchester City obviously do not want to lose Bernardo Silva but they are also searching for a central midfielder to decrease the load on Rodri next season and there’s every chance Pep might look for a swap deal. MCFC will be helpless if Barcelona can trigger Bernardo’s release clause but the reigning EPL champions have the money to sign De Jong outright for a major transfer fee.

Another reason for De Jong snubbing Manchester United is because he wants to play in the Champions League and it’s very hard to see the Red Devils holding onto their UCL status next season. However, at Manchester City, he can not only keep playing at the highest level but he can genuinely compete for every major silverware.

Whether FDJ chooses Manchester United or not is one thing but the Red Devils will definitely come for the midfielder in the summer but this time, Manchester City have a major bargain chip up their sleeves.