The FC Barcelona is clear that it must not only think about possible future signings to strengthen its squad, but also carry out a series of renewals to ensure the permanence of several of its young 'gems'. These movements must be made with the aim of avoiding unexpected departures that could weaken a squad that excites, not only in the present, but especially looking towards the future, with the intention of building a long-term sports project.

At this moment, as suggested by 'Mundo Deportivo', the culé team already has on its agenda some cases that must be addressed as quickly as possible. Some of them, which at first glance seem simpler to address, are those of Marc Bernal, Fermín López, or Pedri González, while others are more complex, such as the 'files' of Ronald Araújo and Frenkie de Jong, which are shaping up to be the summer's 'sagas' in relation to Barça.

The renewals that FC Barcelona should have 'lined up' to close soon

Marc Bernal

Initially, there should not be major problems with Marc Bernal, why? The player from Berga, more than needing a contract renewal, requires a new agreement that links him as a first-team asset, already giving up being a bearer of the subsidiary team's contract. Additionally, there needs to be a necessary update to his earnings and his release clause (€20 million).

It is worth noting that his contract with the club is valid until 2026, with three optional years. Also, being underage (17 years old), he cannot sign a contract that exceeds three years in duration. The expectation is that as soon as he reaches the age of majority (May 26), his agreement with the Barcelona team will be extended until 2029.

Pedri González

A 'file' that needs attention, as his contract doesn't expire until 2026, is that of Pedri González. There is little more to add about how essential it is to extend the contractual relationship of one of the players who, when in full physical condition, is undeniably one of the best in the world.

Additionally, he is only 21 years old, with a great footballing future ahead. Therefore, FC Barcelona should take the initiative and explore the possibility of renewing his contract, to avoid reaching the summer of 2025 without this matter resolved.

Fermín López

With Fermín López, the story seems quite simple to navigate. Why? The player from Huelva has a contract with FC Barcelona that runs until the year 2027. This agreement was recently signed, specifically on August 29, 2023, and it was even decided to give him a first-team number (January 30, 2024).

However, at Barcelona, they are considering acknowledging the exceptional performance of '16' during the 2023/24 season, both at the club and national level. In light of this, a contractual update is necessary that will likely extend until the year 2029. This would involve an essential increase in his earnings, currently among the lowest on the Blaugrana salary scale, according to 'Capology', at €630,000 gross annually, as well as improving performance bonuses.

The renewals that appear more challenging to address for the Blaugrana team

Ronald Araújo

Now, for example, the case of Ronald Araújo appears particularly challenging to resolve. The Uruguayan defender's contract expires in 2026 and his salary (€3.3 million net) warrants an urgent adjustment. Although he is one of the standout assets of the Barcelona team, the fact that apparently the club has extended him a renewal offer and that he maintains a certain secrecy regarding his response, whether affirmative or negative, has raised alarms in the Catalan capital.

There seems to be uncertainty about the future of the Rivera native, to the extent that the idea of selling him in this summer transfer window, where Barça had significant bargaining power to demand a hefty sum for the '4', was prevalent for a long time. However, the severe hamstring tendon injury he suffered while playing in the Copa America with Uruguay, for which he had to undergo surgery on July 22, has 'frozen' any possible transfer, at least for now, opening up a range of options to resolve Araújo's future, any of which are highly feasible.

Frenkie de Jong

Lastly, there is the 'file' of Frenkie de Jong, a player to whom an offer of renewal has apparently already been extended, which would require an adjustment of his contract to the club's economic reality. It is worth remembering that the Dutchman is the highest-paid player in the club. However, this offer has not yet been responded to, either affirmatively or negatively, leaving his entire situation up in the air.

From FC Barcelona, they seem inclined to keep him; however, until the salary adjustment is made, this renewal will likely remain stalled. This is a particularly complex case considering that, for now, the culé team cannot opt to sell him or at least use him as an active player, as the Arkel native currently has problems with his right ankle since April, keeping him sidelined with unclear return prospects.