Manchester City planning swap deal with Barcelona including €100 million midfielder

According to reports from El Nacional, Pep Guardiola has proposed a swap deal with Joan Laporta involving two established players of the teams.

Barcelona have been eyeing a true winger for a while now. Ronald Koeman had asked for reinforcement in the department several times before his eventual sacking, for the void was clearly felt. Xavi Hernandez’s system necessitates the presence of wide wingers on either side of the front three.

Barcelona have heavily suffered in the department owing to injures. Ansu Fati’s return solved problems temporarily for the Blaugranas. Yet, Ousmane Dembele’s constant injuries and Depay’s tendency to play centrally do not help the situation.

Raheem Sterling has been an option Laporta has seriously considered for a while. The Manchester City winger has had difficult times at the Etihad over the past season, with his minutes reduced to those off the bench.

Jack Grealish, Gabriel Jesus, and Phil Foden have taken over the starting lineup, and as such, the English winger is looking for more minutes.

In fact, Sterling has also publicly announced his desire to try out a new challenge in a new country. The player’s intention to leave, coupled with Barcelona’s requirement of a similar profile, could make it a match made in heaven.

Guardiola is willing to let go of Sterling but has proposed an exchange deal that would see Frenkie de Jong move to Manchester.

The Dutch star has been far from the glittering version he was at Ajax. He is slowly turning into a player the club would consider parting ways with, especially given the new generation of teenage sensations in the department.

The Blues of Manchester value Sterling at €50 million, while Barcelona will not let the Dutch player go for less than €70 million.

Effectively, City would need to offer Sterling and an additional €20 million to make the move possible. Barcelona have not decided whether to sell de Jong or not, for it will depend on his performance under the new manager.