---
title: "De Jong's Medical Outlook Dictates Barcelona's Pursuit of Manchester City's Rodri"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/de-jong-injury-barcelona-rodri-transfer-target-41a24
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
published: 2026-08-08T06:10:00.000Z
modified: 2026-08-09T08:00:49.210Z
language: en-IN
---

# De Jong's Medical Outlook Dictates Barcelona's Pursuit of Manchester City's Rodri

Frenkie de Jong’s ongoing battle with a severe knee injury has forced FC Barcelona to evaluate immediate alternatives in midfield. The club is monitoring Manchester City’s Rodri as a primary target should the Dutchman require surgery.

## Key takeaways

- Frenkie de Jong is halfway through a two-month trial of conservative treatment to avoid knee surgery.
- If surgery is required, De Jong could be sidelined for up to five months, potentially missing the start of the 2026/27 season.
- Rodri has expressed a preference for Barcelona over Real Madrid after talks between City and Madrid stalled.
- Manchester City's valuation of Rodri sits between 60 and 75 million euros, requiring Barcelona to create significant financial room.

## Background

Frenkie de Jong continues to face medical uncertainty following a knee injury sustained during the most recent World Cup. Upon his return to Catalonia, examinations confirmed ligament damage, though the club initially refrained from providing a specific recovery timeline. The Dutch international opted for a two-month conservative treatment plan rather than surgery, a process that is currently at its midpoint. However, the risk of surgical intervention persists; if the non-invasive approach fails, De Jong could face an additional four to five months on the sidelines.

## Why It Matters

The stability of Barcelona's midfield hinges on De Jong's physical durability, which has been inconsistent. Over the last three seasons, the player has missed 56 matches due to various ailments. While Hansi Flick and Sporting Director Deco initially believed the current squad was sufficient, the threat of De Jong being absent until the start of the 2026/27 season has altered their strategy. This shift in perspective has turned their attention toward Manchester City’s Rodri, who is reportedly receptive to Flick’s tactical vision.

## Key Facts

- Frenkie de Jong has missed 56 games over the past three seasons due to recurring physical issues.
- Rodri has reportedly approved Hansi Flick's sporting project following a personal phone call with the manager.
- Manchester City allegedly seeks approximately 75 million euros for Rodri, though figures between 60 and 70 million euros have been cited for a potential Barcelona deal.
- Real Madrid's interest cooled after negotiations stalled over a 25-million-euro gap in valuation.
- Barcelona remains willing to sell Marc Casadó despite the current shortage of fit midfielders.

## What Happens Next

The timeline for a potential bid for Rodri depends entirely on the results of De Jong's conservative recovery plan. If medical assessments necessitate surgery, Deco is prepared to accelerate negotiations. Rodri, identified by journalist Fabrice Hawkins as a player who believes his style suits Barcelona, may need to accept a salary reduction to facilitate the move. For now, the Catalan club is observing the situation, balanced between financial constraints and the urgent need for a reliable presence in the center of the pitch.

Source: FCUpdate.nl

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/de-jong-injury-barcelona-rodri-transfer-target-41a24
Reported from: FCUpdate.nl