Health concerns halt Frenkie de Jong's mega-transfer to Manchester City

Frenkie de Jong's contract runs until June 2029, but a medical report has caused the planned mega-transfer to FC Manchester City to fall through.

Medical documents end negotiations

Manchester City made contact with the Blaugrana in the summer and showed concrete interest, as the programme “Tot Costa” reported. The English club requested documents concerning the knee problems of the 29‑year‑old Dutchman.

After receiving the reports, Manchester City withdrew from the transfer. According to officials, health concerns were paramount, not the transfer fee or Barcelona's stance.

Barcelona had already indicated that it was ready to start negotiations and sell De Jong. The Catalan club announced that it would commence talks as soon as the medical data were available.

De Jong played 38 league matches last season, scored one goal and provided eight assists. However, a muscle injury kept him out for more than two months.

In the 2026/27 season he has so far not featured in either La Liga or the Champions League, a marked decline from the over 40 games per season in previous years.

The Dutchman has been playing for Barcelona since 2019 and has made over 200 La Liga appearances for the club. In October 2025 he extended his contract by several years.