Al-Ittihad interested in marginalized Barcelona midfielder, contacts made with agent

Frenkie de Jong has gone from being a regular starter to a peripheral figure at FC Barcelona this season.

After a long period on the sidelines, the Dutchman has found it difficult to get minutes under Hansi Flick, with players like Pedri, Marc Casado, Gavi, Dani Olmo and even Fermín López ahead of him.

Marc Bernal, currently injured, is also seen as someone who would be ahead of De Jong in Flick’s pecking order.

This marginalized role in the team, coupled with his high salary and lack of progress in renewal negotiations, has led to De Jong being linked with a departure from Barcelona.

Al-Ittihad interested

Now, according to journalist Miguel Rico, Al-Ittihad of Saudi Arabia has shown interest in signing Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona.

Ramon Planes, former technical secretary of Barcelona and now technical director of Al-Ittihad, could be the link that makes the transfer a reality.

Coincidentally, Planes has stayed at the JW Marriott in Jeddah, the same hotel that hosts the Spanish Super Cup in Barcelona.

What’s more, in recent interviews with Catalan media, Planes openly admitted that some Barcelona players are on Al-Ittihad’s radar. While no names were mentioned, De Jong is confirmed to be one of their targets.

It is also confirmed that Planes has already been in contact with De Jong’s agents. Although conversations between him and Barcelona sporting director Deco have not included specific details, it is understood that Planes is aware of the demands the Dutchman’s team would make.

While there is no indication of a move in the January transfer window, there is confidence that a deal can be agreed in the summer.

For now, Al-Ittihad are adopting a wait-and-see strategy, as fewer months remaining on De Jong’s contract would reduce his transfer fee.