In light of the increasing interest from Saudi club Al-Ittihad, FC Barcelona has moved quickly to secure the future of their Dutch star Frenkie de Jong, through negotiations to extend his contract which expires in the summer of 2026.

Al-Ittihad has placed De Jong at the top of its priority list in the summer transfer market, considering him a strategic heavyweight signing that enhances its future project and provides a significant technical and moral boost.

The Saudi team is betting on timing, taking advantage of Barcelona's slow pace in renewing the player's contract, which may allow them a broader negotiating opportunity in the upcoming period.

De Jong is approaching the final year of his contract, which gives interested clubs additional leverage, especially amid growing interest from major clubs in the Middle East.

The ball is now in Barcelona's court, which fears losing one of the pillars of its midfield at a time when Saudi clubs continue to capture European stars and change the equation of the global transfer market.