Saudi Arabia tempting one of Barcelona’s top talents

According to AS, Frenkie de Jong’s agent, Ali Dursun, has reached out to Saudi clubs to inquire about the current state and prospects of the Saudi Pro League.

After experiencing a significant boom in recent years, the league has stabilised and now appears to be a permanent fixture on the global football stage, particularly following Saudi Arabia’s successful bid to host the 2034 World Cup. While these contacts have been limited to preliminary inquiries—focusing on cultural and lifestyle considerations in the country—they signal potential movement within the player’s camp.

De Jong’s contract with Barcelona runs until June 2026, but there are indications he may already be contemplating a future away from Camp Nou.

How much does Frenkie De Jong earn at Barcelona?

Barcelona have expressed interest in renewing De Jong’s contract but at a significantly reduced salary compared to his current earnings. The Dutch international is set to earn around €9 million net this season, along with a €4.2 million loyalty bonus. Furthermore, he could earn an additional €2 million if he plays at least 60% of Barcelona’s matches this season—a goal that remains uncertain due to his ongoing recovery from a syndesmosis injury in his right ankle.

The Saudi Pro League is one of the few leagues that could potentially sustain De Jong’s current wage demands, despite his market value declining significantly. According to the specialist website Transfermarkt, his valuation has dropped from €90 million in October 2023 to €60 million today, with further declines likely if his limited playing time persists.

Barcelona are reportedly unwilling to keep De Jong beyond this season unless he agrees to a contract renewal this summer. The club’s sporting leadership, led by Deco and President Joan Laporta, are determined to avoid a scenario where key players like De Jong or Ronald Araújo remain on the roster without securing long-term agreements. If no renewal is reached, they could be excluded from Hansi Flick’s plans for next season—assuming Flick stays on as coach.

The relationship between De Jong and Barcelona has been fraught since the summer of 2022, when the LaLiga club attempted to sell him and had already lined up Carlos Soler as his replacement. As things stand, the situation remains complex. De Jong could see out his contract until 2026 and leave as a free agent, but his market value would likely suffer further.

Saudi Arabia represents a potential destination, whether as a short-term solution or a more extended career move.

With his agent actively exploring options across major European leagues and beyond, the coming months will be crucial in determining the future of a player who has struggled to reestablish himself on the pitch. Without consistent performances, rebuilding his market value will be an uphill battle.

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