FC Barcelona had a relatively quiet winter transfer window this year, with the only change in the squad being the addition of Vitor Roque. Even the Brazilian was signed in the last summer transfer window, but was incorporated into the squad only in January.
Now that the winter window is closed, the club can focus its attention on future squad planning. In this regard, it is not only new signings that Barcelona is contemplating, but the Catalans also want to survey the players that can be sold.
But according to SPORT, the main priority of the sports management at Barcelona for the upcoming months is to secure the long-term futures of some of its players, and two players are particularly in the club’s sights for this purpose.
The first one is the center-back Ronald Araujo, about whom the Catalans understand that a renewal is absolutely necessary going forward. The defender has attracted attention from the German giants Bayern Munich in the last few weeks, and if an agreement with the Uruguayan is not reached, Barcelona can sell him for a high sum in the summer.
The second player that the Blaugranes want to renew is the midfielder, Frenkie de Jong. Barcelona have already approached the player to extend his contract and bring his wages in line with the club’s economic realities, but Frenkie’s entourage does not seem too keen to get into negotiations.
However, the Catalans cannot wait any longer, and Deco wants to get a new contract agreed before the end of the season. If such an agreement cannot be reached within the stipulated time, the club authorities will debate on what direction to take regarding the Dutchman’s future, and nothing can be ruled out at this moment.
As things stand, both Araujo and De Jong are essential pieces for Xavi’s team and also have several years ahead of them to keep playing at the highest level. But if Barcelona cannot ensure their continuity with renewals, selling them to mitigate the club’s economic problems can be a compelling option.
