Al-Ittihad makes its move for Frenkie de Jong

Saudi club Al-Ittihad is preparing a summer bid for Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong.

Details. According to Relevo, Al-Ittihad has made its move for de Jong in recent days. Preliminary talks have reportedly taken place between officials from the Saudi club and representatives of the Dutch midfielder.

Ramon Planes, who worked at Barcelona from 2018 to 2021, will lead the effort to secure de Jong’s transfer as Al-Ittihad’s sporting director. The deal is expected to take shape in the summer, and it will be intriguing to see if the Saudi giants can pull it off.

Context. Earlier reports indicated that Barcelona’s management had made a final decision to sell de Jong this winter. Additionally, Hansi Flick has reportedly approved the move, as the Dutchman is no longer a key part of his plans.

This season, de Jong has made eight La Liga appearances but started in only one of those matches.