Frenkie de Jong’s agent exploring Saudi Arabia move as Barcelona make contract decision on injury-hit midfielder

According to AS, De Jong's agent Ali Dursun has begun probing Saudi clubs regarding the league's stability and long-term prospects. With the Saudi Pro League gaining momentum and credibility, especially after securing the 2034 FIFA World Cup hosting rights, it has become an attractive destination for top players seeking lucrative deals. These exploratory conversations reportedly included lifestyle and cultural considerations, though no formal negotiations have taken place.

For De Jong, whose contract with Barcelona runs until June 2026, these developments hint at the possibility of a future away from La Liga. Meanwhile, the Catalans face a challenging decision with De Jong's contract. They are keen to extend his deal but at a significantly reduced salary. Currently earning a net income of €9 million per season, De Jong also benefits from a €4.2 million loyalty bonus and stands to receive an additional €2 million if he features in 60% of the season’s matches. Such figures are increasingly untenable for Barcelona as they work to manage their financial constraints.

The Saudi Pro League stands as one of the few leagues capable of matching De Jong’s current salary demands. The league’s financial resources have attracted high-profile players in recent years, making it a plausible destination for the Dutch international.

Barcelona’s sports committee, led by Deco and President Joan Laporta, reportedly plans to take a firm stance. If De Jong does not agree to a contract renewal this summer, the club is prepared to exclude him from Hansi Flick’s plans for the upcoming season. This echoes a similar scenario in 2022 when Barcelona sought to sell De Jong and had even identified Carlos Soler as his replacement. Should De Jong decide to run down his contract until 2026, Barcelona risks losing him on a free transfer, which will be a major financial shock for the club.

The coming months will be pivotal in determining De Jong’s fate. Whether he secures a renewal at a reduced rate, makes a high-profile move to Saudi Arabia, or chooses to stay at Barcelona until his contract expires, each scenario carries significant implications. For now, De Jong’s limited impact on the field and Barcelona’s financial prudence make this an unpredictable chapter in the midfielder’s career.