Saudi Arabian club remain interested in Barcelona captain for the summer – report | OneFootball

Al-Ittihad raided FC Barcelona in the winter transfer window to sign promising youngster Unai Hernandez in a deal worth €4.5 million deal, with another €500,000 in add-ons.

However, it appears that the Saudi Arabian club are not done fishing for talent in the Barça squad, with another player very much on their agenda.

Al-Ittihad could return for Frenkie de Jong

Indeed, according to journalist Miguel Rico, Al-Ittihad hold a strong interest in Barcelona midfielder and captain Frenkie de Jong and could return for him in the summer.

The Saudi Pro League club have held a long-standing interest in the Netherlands international, with their director, Ramon Planes, a big admirer of the midfielder.

What’s more, Al-Ittihad also have the financial means to pull off the Dutchman’s signing.

On Al-Ittihad’s radar. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

There had been interest in De Jong during the winter, but nothing came of it. While there are doubts about whether he would be willing to move to Saudi, they now have time until the summer to try and convince him to make the switch.

De Jong’s current contract with Barcelona expires in 2026 and renewal talks are yet to take place.

If he does not accept to sign a new deal, the Blaugrana will look to offload the former Ajax man as they are clear about not having any player in the final year of their contract in the squad.

Al-Ittihad will be monitoring the situation closely and are likely to test the waters to try and sign De Jong in the summer. Whether he is willing to go down that route remains to be seen.