Frenkie de Jong's situation at FC Barcelona is getting more complicated every day. Since his arrival in 2019, the Dutch midfielder hasn't fully lived up to the high expectations caused by his transfer. Nor the 20 million euros annually that the club pays for him.
Now, with Deco looking for solutions to free up salary mass, an unexpected offer could end his time at Camp Nou.
A Bleak Present for Frenkie
Frenkie de Jong is experiencing his most challenging moment since wearing the blaugrana jersey. His participation in Barça's key matches has been minimal, as evidenced in the Super Cup final, where he didn't play a minute. His performance has been inconsistent, and his prominence in Hansi Flick's scheme has practically disappeared.
Additionally, Barça's economic situation adds pressure to his case. Joan Laporta and Deco see Frenkie's departure as an opportunity to ease the club's financial burden and generate resources for new transfers.
Bayern Munich's Interest Cools
In recent months, Bayern Munich had emerged as a possible destination for the Dutchman. His compatriot Ruud Gullit even recommended he pack his bags for Germany to revitalize his career in an environment more suited to his playing style.
However, the Bavarian giant's interest hasn't materialized into a formal offer. Although Deco was willing to accept a transfer for a figure ranging between 10 and 20 million euros, Bayern hasn't made a move. Leaving the possibilities of this operation hanging in the air.
Saudi Arabia Enters the Scene
The real surprise has come from Saudi Arabia. Al-Ittihad, a team led by Ramón Planas as sporting director, has made Frenkie de Jong their main target. The proposal wouldn't only include an attractive payment to Barça but also a massive salary that could convince the player to leave Europe.
This move isn't isolated. Saudi Arabia has become a booming market, attracting international figures with financial offers that European clubs can't match. For Deco, this opportunity represents a quick and effective solution to offload the Dutchman's high salary.
Although Al-Ittihad seems determined to make a strong bid for De Jong, the final decision rests with the player. Frenkie still has a contract until 2026 and has always expressed his desire to succeed at Barça. However, his lack of playing time and the change in team dynamics could lead him to reconsider his future.
Deco, for his part, has already made it clear that he prioritizes his departure. Freeing up such a high salary would allow Barça to strengthen other critical areas and move toward financial sustainability.
An Unexpected Twist in the Market
If Frenkie de Jong accepts Al-Ittihad's offer, he will join the list of players who have opted for Saudi Arabia's growing project. For Barça, this would mean closing a chapter that, despite initial expectations, never reached its full potential.
The outcome of this operation will mark a before and after for both Frenkie and the club. For now, the only certainty is that the Dutchman's next stop could be far from the major European leagues and in a destination that, until recently, no one would have imagined.