Saudi transfer chief confirms 'frequent' conversations about Frenkie de Jong | OneFootball

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has been confirmed as the subject of "frequent" conversations to monitor the transfer market at Saudi Pro League club Al Ittihad.

De Jong's Barcelona career has failed to take off again following his recovery from a serious ankle injury that curtailed last season, ruled him out of Euro 2024 and delayed his start to 2024/25.

The Dutchman has only started twice in La Liga this season, albeit leading the team as captain on both occasions. His contract runs until 2026 and Barcelona are widely reported to be threatening any player who reaches the final year of their terms without agreeing a renewal with banishment.

De Jong, a 2019 capture from Ajax but considered a saleable asset through the worst of Barcelona's financial woes, has regularly resisted leaving the club. Barcelona notably struck a transfer agreement with Manchester United in the summer of 2022, before the proposed move collapsed.

The ongoing uncertainty over the player's future has fuelled speculation about what comes next, with the Saudi Pro League an obvious link for someone of his profile, with sizeable salary demands.

De Jong's game time this season has been minimal / Pedro Salado/GettyImages

"These conversations to find out how the market is are frequent,” Ramon Planes, Al Ittihad director of football and ex-Barcelona executive, told Esports COPE when asked about De Jong.

"He is very happy in Barcelona, ​​he has adapted and it is not easy for the player if things are going well to go to a team better than Barca. I always have to ask about the players and the market possibilities."

It doesn't suggest an imminent approach for De Jong, but underlines that Al Ittihad are at least keeping a metaphorical ear to the ground when it comes to potential recruitment.

Kevin De Bruyne, significantly older than De Jong and in the final six months of his Manchester City contract, is similar another player heavily linked with the Saudi Pro League. The latest on his future, however, is that the veteran Belgian is hoping to sign a fresh deal with City.