Barcelona's summer plans have been turned upside down by Frenkie de Jong's long-term knee injury — and the La Liga champions are now weighing up two very different solutions: a sensational swoop for Manchester City midfielder Rodri and a cut-price raid on relegated Girona for Azzedine Ounahi.

Barça throw their hat in the ring for Rodri

For the majority of the summer, reinforcements in the middle of the park were neither a priority nor even a want for Barcelona. De Jong's injury, however, forced sporting director Deco and his team to reconsider their stance and scour the market for opportunities — a search which, it is understood, recently led the Camp Nou hierarchy to the doorstep of Rodri.

The 30-year-old Ballon d'Or winner is expected to bring his Manchester City stint to a close this summer, ahead of the expiration of his contract at the Etihad in 12 months' time. Real Madrid are considered the clear frontrunners for his signature as things stand — but, according to Cadena SER, Hansi Flick's Barcelona are now closely monitoring the situation with a view to an offer of their own:

'Barça will attempt to sign Rodri if the player clearly expresses his desire to join the club, and Flick's team can afford a transfer fee of around €50 million.'

Any deal, then, would hinge both on Rodri openly pushing for the Camp Nou switch and on Barcelona being able to finance a fee in the region of €50 million — a considerable obstacle given the club's well-documented financial balancing act.

Ounahi emerges as the budget option

A far more affordable alternative could be found much closer to home. Ounahi has been heavily linked with the Blaugrana in the Spanish media over the last 48 hours, and Girona's relegation has left the Catalan neighbours in a tough spot over their midfield standout.

According to Mundo Deportivo, a deal could even be struck on the cheap: 'Following Girona's relegation, the Moroccan midfielder could be available for around €10 million, a manageable expense (for Barcelona).'

The 26-year-old is fresh off a fine showing at the World Cup with Morocco, providing a reminder of his stellar talents with a pair of goals across six appearances. Considered a seamless fit in Flick's free-flowing setup, Ounahi could see Deco and co. launch an offensive for his signature over the days ahead — though Real Betis are also understood to be keeping a close eye on his situation this summer.

Whether Barcelona push for a blockbuster move for Rodri, settle for the bargain route with Ounahi, or ultimately stand pat may depend on how quickly the midfield market moves — but after De Jong's injury, inaction is no longer an option at the Camp Nou.