Although there were no changes in the FC Barcelona squad, the Blaugrana club still achieved most of the objectives with which they entered the winter transfer window, i.e., the registrations of Dani Olmo and Pau Victor and the renewals of Araujo, Pedri, and Gavi.
Going forward, the Catalans will have two major sporting decisions to make. One of them will be about the future of Robert Lewandowski, while the other will be about the midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
The latter’s renewal continues to be a problem for Barcelona, as they want to extend his contract to spread over his payments that are due for the next year to a longer period of time.
However, even though he has been warned that he will be placed on the market if he does not renew by the end of this season, the Dutchman has not budged from his position and is yet to agree a renewal with the Blaugrana club.
Lately, the Dutch midfielder has seen his prominence increase in Flick’s plans, and, although he has not yet responded to the offers he has already received from Barcelona, he now seems more inclined to renew his contract than he previously was.
However, there is still a lot of ground to be covered before the two parties can arrive at an agreement. In the meantime, Frenkie’s agents are looking for other options in the market so their client will have another destination ready even in case his contract with Barcelona expires next year.
They are looking for a side that can pay his high wages, which cuts down their options to a very few clubs. According to SPORT, two of the clubs who can afford him are the two of the most powerful clubs in Saudi Arabia, and they have already let Frenkie’s agents know of their interest in him.
These clubs are even willing to offer a transfer fee, in addition to increasing his wages to such a level that will be tempting for any player. However, the €45 million-rated Dutchman has always been reluctant to leave Barcelona, even for more competitive sides like Paris Saint Germain and Manchester United.
Thus, while Saudi Arabia will not be a priority for him, this will be a destination that the Blaugranes will prefer the Dutchman choose if they are unable to reach an agreement for renewal with him at the end of this season.