• Frenkie de Jong nearing final year of Barcelona contract
• Al Ittihad has stated it is consistently observing possible targets.
• Laliga team aims to prevent players from nearing free agency.
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has been identified as a topic of "regular" discussions to keep an eye on the transfer market at Saudi Pro League team Al Ittihad.
De Jong's Barcelona tenure has struggled to regain momentum after he healed from a severe ankle injury that limited last season, excluded him from Euro 2024, and postponed his beginning to 2024/25.
The Dutchman has made just two starts in La Liga this season, though he has captained the team in both matches. His contract extends to 2026, and it is widely reported that Barcelona is threatening to banish any player who enters the final year of their terms without agreeing to a renewal.
De Jong, who joined from Ajax in 2019 and was seen as a valuable asset during Barcelona's toughest financial struggles, has consistently chosen to stay at the club. Barcelona notably reached a transfer deal with Manchester United in the summer of 2022, prior to the intended transfer falling through.
The continued ambiguity regarding the player's future has sparked speculation about his next steps, with the Saudi Pro League being a clear possibility for someone of his profile, given his significant salary expectations.
"Ramon Planes, Al Ittihad's football director and former Barcelona executive, told Esports COPE that 'discussions to assess the market are common' when asked about De Jong."
"He is quite content in Barcelona, he has adjusted well, and it isn't simple for a player to move to a team better than Barca if things are going well." "I constantly need to inquire about the players and the market options."
It does not indicate an immediate move for De Jong, but emphasizes that Al Ittihad is at least metaphorically attentive to potential signings.
Kevin De Bruyne, much older than De Jong and in the last six months of his contract with Manchester City, is akin to another player strongly associated with the Saudi Pro League. The most recent update on his future, however, is that the experienced Belgian is aiming to secure a new contract with City.
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