Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is reportedly open to swapping defender Aymeric Laporte for Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong.
The Sky Blues parted ways with Ferran Torres earlier this week after he expressed his desire to leave the club and join Barcelona. The La Liga heavyweights announced the Spanish international’s signing, but are currently unable to register him in their squad due to their financial problems. Despite that, they have now turned their attention towards signing Aymeric Laporte.
According to Catalan outlet El Nacional, Manchester City would only allow Aymeric Laporte to leave in exchange for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong. Pep Guardiola is a big admirer of the Dutch midfielder, who has settled at Camp Nou since his 2019 summer move for Ajax, the report adds.
De Jong, 24, has become a key member of the Barcelona midfield, racking up 115 competitive appearances across all competitions so far. However, just like his teammates, the central midfielder has blown hot and cold this season, as Barcelona continue to struggle in La Liga.
Man City eye swap deal involving Laporte and De Jong—A wise move by the club?
Aymeric Laporte, 27, has bulldozed his way into Pep Guardiola’s first XI this term after falling out of favour in the 2020/21 campaign. The Spaniard has built a rock-solid partnership with Ruben Dias at the back, helping the Sky Blues to top the Premier League standings.
The 27-year-old centre-back’s performances for Manchester City seem to have caught the attention of Barcelona, who are in dire need of defensive reinforcements after a dismal first half of the season. But Guardiola and co. are only willing to let Laporte join Barcelona as part of a swap deal with Frenkie de Jong, which actually makes sense from Man City’s point of view.
Even if Laporte leaves, Guardiola will have Ruben Dias, John Stones and Nathan Ake as options at centre-back. Considering the club’s deep pockets, the Man City tactician would feel he’ll be able to replace the Spanish defender in the transfer market. On the flipside, by letting Laporte join Barcelona in exchange for De Jong, the Sky Blues could potentially improve their midfield options.
Fernandinho is in the twilight of his career and could leave on a free transfer at the end of the season, while Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan have entered their 30s. Thus, it is practical for Manchester City to look out for reinforcements in midfield, and Frenkie de Jong fits the profile perfectly at the Etihad Stadium.
A versatile midfielder, De Jong’s passing ability, reading of the game, work ethic and defensive acumen could see him fit into this exciting Man City side like a glove. He is one of the best young midfielders in Europe and his vast experience at a relatively young age could be crucial in the Cityzens’ quest for Champions League glory.
Thus, Guardiola and City must only allow Laporte to join Barcelona in the summer if they can acquire the services of De Jong.
