Officials at FC Barcelona have been focusing on contract renewals for the last few weeks. The Catalans have already renewed the contracts of Alejandro Balde, Lamine Yamal, and Xavi, but their work in this regard is still not complete.
These three contracts were the main priorities for Barcelona, as the club had to work on them on an urgent basis. Now, there are other contracts to be taken care of, with an eye on the savings that Barcelona need to make in their wage bill.
Barcelona looking for two contract renewals
SPORT reports that Barcelona have no options to improve the salaries of any of their players and are looking to reshape some contracts to ensure they do not face financial problems from next June. The Catalans are particularly focusing on two players for this purpose for now i.e., Robert Lewandowski and Frenkie de Jong.
Complicated situation with Frenkie de Jong
Contacts between Deco and Frenkie de Jong have already taken place, and Deco was expecting a breakthrough before the end of the year. However, the Dutchman is in no hurry to get on the negotiating table.
Frenkie’s contract ends in 2026, and the Catalans are planning on offering him an almost lifelong contract in which his wages will be revised. This will be a particularly complicated operation for Barcelona, as they commit fully to the Dutchman, but the player himself will have to make an effort by lowering his wages a bit.
De Jong’s relations with Barcelona had soured in the previous seasons when the club tried to push him to Manchester United. While these wounds have healed to some extent, he is still not ready to give up anything.
However, both these parties will be looking for an agreement as Frenkie is comfortable in Barcelona and the Catalans consider him to be one of the best in the world.
Lewandowski to be offered a one-year extension
The case of Lewandowski is somewhat different. The Pole had signed with an ascending wage set-up, and the next season will see him earn the highest. Despite his age, Lewandowski is in physical shape to continue at Barcelona, and the Catalans also do not want him to leave for free.
Barcelona are currently considering a one-year extension for Lewandowski, but everything depends on Lewandowski himself, who also has much more financially lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia.