Gerard Pique's imminent retirement could offer Manchester United a major boost in their long-running pursuit of Frenkie de Jong.
The Barcelona legend is hanging up his boots after a prestigious 18-year playing career, waving goodbye to the Camp Nou following a 2-0 victory over Almeria on Saturday. In a fitting send-off, Barca went top of La Liga by leapfrogging bitter rivals Real Madrid, as De Jong scored their second goal.
But it may well prove to be one of the Dutchman's final contributions in Catalonia, as United continue to chase his signature following multiple failed attempts to land him during the summer transfer window. Now, though, Barcelona's revised recruitment plans have presented the Red Devils with a greater opportunity of acquiring manager Erik ten Hag 's top target.
According to Spanish outlet Sport, Barca are intent on signing Manchester City star Bernardo Silva in January, as Pique's departure will free up vital cash reserves. News of a potential deal will be music to Ten Hag's ears, as United's cross-city foes would be losing a key player while his club's chances of signing De Jong increase.
The 25-year-old midfielder was tipped to join City over the summer as part of a swap deal with Silva, although the move never materialised. With Barcelona now plotting a straight signing thanks to their extra financial resources, United face one less competitor in the race to sign De Jong, who's also coveted by Chelsea.
Although the Netherlands international, who'll soon be away from club commitments and representing his nation at the World Cup, was reluctant to leave the Camp Nou earlier this year, he finds himself frustrated with the amount of minutes that boss Xavi has handed him so far this season.
De Jong is allegedly 'disgusted' after being told by the Barca boss in pre-season that he'd be integral to his team's campaign, only to start 10 of their 18 fixtures in all competitions. With Ten Hag reportedly still keen on reuniting with his former Ajax prodigy, the transfer saga that dominated the summer months could resurface in the winter.
Of course, Barcelona would firstly need to wrap up a deal for Silva, and that won't be easy. City manager Pep Guardiola wants to keep the 28-year-old Portuguese for as long as possible, with Paris Saint-Germain also rumoured to be circling for his signature.
Following a friendly between the Citizens and Barca in August, Guardiola admitted that Silva was interested in a move to Camp Nou. However, the City boss made it clear that he wasn't willing to sanction his departure amid reports that Barcelona had agreed a £47million fee for Bernardo, whose contract expires in two-and-a-half years' time.
Have your say! Should Man Utd still look to sign De Jong? Join the debate in the comments section.
"I'm no one to tell Barca to forget about Bernardo," Guardiola declared. "We want him to stay with us, but I don't want anyone who's not happy. The first thing would be for the clubs to come to an agreement, but there has been no offer for him in these last two years.
"I don't want him to go, he's a superlative player and a great person," he affirmed. "I want him to stay. That said, it is true Bernardo likes Barcelona a lot."
