At Barcelona, a number of star players are due to expire in 2026 and sporting director Deco has the unenviable task of signing them for the future. While there have been many positive comments about Gavi and Pedri's extensions, that has not been the case for Ronald Araujo and Frenkie de Jong.
While the former appears more open to extending his deal with the Blaugrana, Sport say both are open to signing new contracts. President Joan Laporta has met De Jong and told him they see him as part of their future, and don't just want him extended to reduce his salary – one of the highest in the squad.
Similarly, Laporta has spoken to Araujo, and after fearing a move away last summer, they now see a new deal for the Uruguayan as feasible. Pedri and Gavi are expected to renew, and the only other significant piece in the air is Andreas Christensen. If they can sign Jonathan Tah, Christensen's departure seems much more likely.
However, the Blaugrana will not allow Araujo and De Jong until the final year of their contracts, if they can help it. Barcelona have set a deadline for them to sign before the end of the season, with more negotiations ahead.
Barcelona will likely try to sell Araujo and De Jong if they cannot get a deal done. Of course, the difference in requirements is an important factor in this equation, and it remains to be seen whether they can reach a compromise. Lately it looked very much like Barcelona would be open to selling De Jong next summer.
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