Barça is on track to renew Ronald Araújo... and remains uncertain about Frenkie de Jong

Published:12/11/2024 - 22:43h

Updated:12/11/2024 - 22:43h

Barça is optimistic about the renewal of Ronald Araújo, while awaiting the response of Frenkie de Jong who continues to delay his decision

The transfers of Ronald Araújo and Frenkie de Jong have been two of the biggest headaches for FC Barcelona in recent months. The Catalans have tried to reach a renewal agreement with both players, whose contracts expire in 2026, but they saw both cases as complicated due to the team's salary situation.

However, the club has managed to progressively clean up its accounts and optimism is beginning to grow around the Uruguayan, while the Dutchman continues to leave doubts. The Blaugranas presented an offer to the centre-back at the beginning of last year, and even Joan Laporta was involved in the negotiations to convince the player, whose relationship with the team was 'strained' due to the criticism he received from Gündogan and the rumours about his possible sale.

The talks 'stagnated' the positions between both parties were distant, but after the injury suffered in the Copa América, Araújo's situation seems to have changed. Hansi Flick has made it clear that he is key to his project and the player, as captain, has once again felt at home at the club. Barça will make an effort and his 'soap opera' seems to have 'unblocked', so there could be news soon.

Barça is pessimistic about Frenkie de Jong

On the other hand, the case of Frenkie de Jong is still up in the air. According to 'SPORT', the Dutchman's annoyance with the club stems from the board's intention to transfer him a couple of summers ago and from the continuous leaks about his supposed salary. The Catalans made him a proposal to adjust his salary over more years and sign a long-term commitment, but the player has still not responded.

The '21' is aware that he will be an important piece for Flick, and after going through a very complicated stage at a sporting level in Barcelona, he is now clear that he can be part of a winning project. The Catalans are looking with fear at the possibility that Frenkie could leave for free in 2026, although the player is happy at the club. The Catalans are pessimistic, but all options remain on the table.