Frenkie de Jong holds the key to FC Barcelona's dream transfer | Goal.com
Frenkie de Jong's serious knee injury could have major consequences for FC Barcelona's transfer plans, Marca reports. If the Netherlands international's recovery proves disappointing in the coming weeks, the Catalans will go all out for Rodri. According to various international media, the Manchester City midfielder favours Barça.
De Jong is out with a tear in the medial collateral ligament of his left knee. The midfielder suffered the injury at the World Cup after a collision with Quinten Timber in a Netherlands training session.
Back in Barcelona, De Jong underwent several medical examinations, which confirmed the severity of the injury. He then opted, against the club's advice, for conservative treatment and, for the time being, will not need surgery.
Barcelona did not give an expected recovery timeframe, but according to Marca, De Jong should be match-fit again within two months thanks to his conservative treatment. Half of that period has now passed and there are major doubts within the club over whether the treatment is working. Marca adds that surgery cannot be ruled out if the treatment does not produce the desired result.
That would push his recovery back by another two to three months and completely change the sporting leadership's plans. Barcelona initially had no intention of signing a new midfielder and, despite De Jong's injury, they are still preparing for the departure of Marc Casadó, who plays in the same position.
Elsewhere, there are concerns within the club over De Jong's physical condition in the longer term. The Dutchman has already missed 56 matches through various injuries over the past three seasons, which according to Marca is causing concern for both coach Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco.
Deco has already sought information on Rodri and several other midfielders. Barcelona initially kept their distance because they believed the 30-year-old Manchester City holding midfielder was virtually set for Real Madrid.
RMC Sport and The Athletic report, however, that Rodri favours Barcelona and that both Real Madrid and Manchester City have been informed of that. "Sources close to the situation say that he is attracted by the football FC Barcelona play," writes The Athletic. "Moreover, he knows many of the players at the club well and is friends with them."
As things stand, City are asking around €80 million, but could possibly agree to €60 million to €70 million. Rodri has only one year left on his contract in Manchester.
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