De Jong's agent, Ali Dursun, has made inquiries about a possible move to the Saudi Pro League, a sign that the Dutchman's future is uncertain.
According to AS, Frenkie de Jong's agent, Ali Dursun, has contacted Saudi clubs to inquire about the current state of affairs and the prospects of the Saudi Pro League.
After experiencing significant growth in recent years, the league has stabilized and now looks to be a permanent fixture on the global football stage, especially after Saudi Arabia's successful bid to host the 2034 World Cup. While these contacts have been limited to preliminary investigations – focusing on cultural and lifestyle considerations in the country – they indicate possible movements within the player's camp.
De Jong's contract with Barcelona runs until June 2026, but there are indications that he may already be considering a future away from Camp Nou.
How much does Frenkie De Jong earn at Barcelona?
Barcelona have expressed interest in extending De Jong's contract, but at a significantly lower salary compared to his current earnings. The Dutch international will earn around €9 million net this season, along with a loyalty bonus of €4.2 million. Furthermore, he could earn a further €2 million if he plays at least 60% of Barcelona's games 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 support De Jong's current wage demands, despite his market value having fallen significantly. According to specialist website Transfermarkt, his valuation has fallen from €90 million in October 2023 to €60 million today, and further drops are likely if his limited playing time continues.
Barcelona are reportedly unwilling to keep De Jong beyond this season unless he agrees to a contract extension this summer. The club's sporting leadership, led by Deco and president Joan Laporta, is determined to avoid a scenario where key players such as De Jong or Ronald Araújo remain on the roster without signing long-term deals. If an extension is not reached, they could be left out of 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 tried to sell him and had already lined up Carlos Soler as his replacement. As things stand, the situation remains complex. De Jong could extend 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 for a short-term solution or a longer career move.
With his agent actively exploring options in Europe's major 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 performance, rebuilding its market value will be an uphill battle.
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