Manchester City reported had reservations about a bid for Ajax’s Frenkie de Jong.
According to the Daily Mail, Manchester City had concerns about signing Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong – because they thought a huge deal could cause unrest in the squad.
De Jong, 21, has become one of Europe’s most wanted midfielders over the last year, having made himself virtually undroppable for Ajax in a holding midfield role.
A technically=gifted playmaker, the former Willem II youngster has been linked with a host of clubs of late, but the rumours will now be coming to an end.
De Jong agreed a move to Barcelona on Wednesday, and he will head to the Camp Nou at the end of the season for a fee believed to be totalling around £75million (Daily Mail).
That report adds that Manchester City had wanted to sign De Jong, with Pep Guardiola a big fan of the Dutchman whilst seeing him as a replacement for Fernandinho in his three-man midfield.
However, it’s noted that City were reluctant to sanction a big deal for De Jong due to fears that signing him would cause unrest in the camp – and given the Barcelona numbers, it’s little surprise.
Barca are reportedly going to pay De Jong around £300,000-a-week, money which would have made the youngster one of the highest earners at City despite being filled with world-class, title-winning players.
That saw City back away in the end, and having missed out on De Jong, the search for Fernandinho’s heir will continue elsewhere.
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