Barcelona insist on unprecedented 'anti-Saudi clause' in two players' new contracts ahead of deadline day

Barcelona have reportedly added an ‘anti-Saudi clause’ in two of their players’ contacts.

The Catalans currently boast a young and exciting team with the likes of Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi showing signs of progress since manager Hansi Flick arrived at the club.

However, when young players show they are ready for the elite level, several clubs tend to want to sign them for big money. And this transfer window could prove similar.

Take 21-year-old Jhon Duran for example, he is having a breakout season for Aston Villa in the Premier League having scored seven goals in 20 league games for Unai Emery’s side.

Despite this, he has been linked with a reported €77m move to Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.

Of course, money is no doubt a factor - even if Duran likes the thought of playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.

So, Barca have taken action to stop this happening to them. According to journalist Santi Ovalle, the club are set to add ‘anti-Saudi’ clauses to two of their players’ contracts.

The clause will reportedly not be included in the new contract of defender Ronaldo Araujo, who penned a new deal keeping him at the club until the summer of 2031.

Pedri and Gavi are set to remain at Barcelona (Credit:Getty)

However, this will likely be written into the new deals of Pedri, 22, who has signed a new five-year contract set to see him stay at Barca until the summer of 2030.

While Gavi, 20, will likely have the same thing in his proposed new deal.

Of course, La Liga fans were left shocked back in August 2023, when Spain Under-21s midfielder and then-Celta Vigo youngster Gabri Veiga signed for Saudi outfit Al-Ahli after the club activated a reported €40m release clause.

His decision to join the Jeddah-based club drew widespread criticism from fans, media and even former Real Madrid star Toni Kroos who described the move as “embarrassing”.

Veiga, 22, has since given his take on the transfer when speaking with SER and answered “no” when asked if the move was solely for financial benefits.

“I understand that everyone has their opinion, but there were other decisions that tipped the balance,” said Veiga. “Among all the options, I think it was the one that allowed me to continue growing as a footballer and mature in a league that is growing a lot.”