Barcelona are interested in swapping Frenkie De Jong with Bernardo Silva

DBasia.news – Barcelona are reportedly interested in offering a deal to make an exchange with Manchester City. The Blaugrana want to swap Frenkie de Jong with Bernardo Silva.

According to a report in Spain via the Mirror, Sunday (05/08/2022), Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez wants to increase competition in midfield.

Barca’s midfield is quite dependent on Pedri and the presence of Bernardo will lighten that burden. The Portuguese star has been one of City’s keys to retaining the Premier League crown.

City will be keen to cash in on a player they recruited back in 2017 and has continued to thrive under Pep Guardiola’s tutelage. Meanwhile, City are likely to part with Fernandinho.

That leaves City short of ammunition in midfield and De Jong would be the ideal player to step in and fill the Brazilian’s place.

De Jong joined Barcelona in 2019 but has been said to depart. Manchester United are reportedly interested in him after signing Erik ten Hag.

Meanwhile, Bernardo has made 47 appearances for the England side this season, scoring 13 goals. De Jong also made that many appearances, playing in over 40 games.

Xavi is adamant that, although he wants more from De Jong, the former Ajax midfielder is Barcelona’s future.

“He has to be the player who makes the difference and he did,” stated Xavi.

“There aren’t many players with his quality. He is the present and the future [at Barca]. He is a very important player for me. He is capable, strong, he gets into the box. He has had some great games, but he has to be consistent.”

Man City manager, Pep Guardiola has also hinted that, despite Bernardo’s desire to leave again in the summer, he may now be happy with life at City once again.

“He is funny, lovable and happy here. I feel that he is happy here with his personal life and I hope he can have another great season with us.”

“He can play in six positions, defensive midfielder, attacking midfielder, winger (left), striker, false nine, other winger, and can play anywhere. He’s intelligent and intuitive.”