The 11 'hot' folders at FC Barcelona for the summer of 2026

FC Barcelona has launched a 'renewal plan' for the summer of 2026. In the midst of a complicated economic situation but with clear signs of improvement, the Catalans have opened multiple negotiations and from November they will have to make drastic decisions, since up to 11 players end their contracts with the club in two years and an agreement cannot be reached with all of them because the salary cap is tight.

Both Deco and Hansi Flick have been working on this issue for weeks, since the idea is to avoid some cases 'stagnating' and the club wants to retain as much talent as financial conditions allow, although everything indicates that some will have to be given the exit door as there is not enough money for everyone. However, the priorities are quite clear, with Lamine Yamal, Gavi and Pedri as the main objectives.

Doubts in goal

In the Barça goal, Iñaki Peña has a contract until 2026 and the next few months will be decisive in defining his future, which will be subject to his performance between the three sticks. Ter Stegen's injury has given him the opportunity to prove his worth and a good level could give him continuity. However, the Blaugranas are studying the goalkeeping market and, if he signs, his future would be in danger. The Alicante native already had offers in the summer, and if Szczesny wins him the starting position, it is most likely that he will change teams.

A revolution is 'looming' in the centre of defence

On the other hand, four centre-backs from the first team could negotiate with other clubs in January 2026. The first of them, Iñigo Martínez, who renews year after year and whose contract extension will be discussed in the summer. For his part, Araújo has not yet responded to the club's offer while Christensen would have offers from the Premier League although he would prefer to continue. If they do not renew before July, Barça will put them on the market.

The case of Eric García is different, whose performance has satisfied the club and he could extend his contract, while with Hector Fort there will be no talk until the last year of his contract and the decision will be based on his progress, as reported by 'SPORT'.

The roadmap in midfield

In midfield, Barça's priority is to keep Pedri and Gavi at all costs, two pillars of the club's future. Negotiations with the Canary Islander are progressing positively, while with the Andalusian they will be discussed once he returns to the pitch. Both players want to stay, but they are aware that they will have to adjust to the club's economic conditions.

For his part, Frenkie de Jong is one of the club's 'hot potatoes'. The Catalans sent him an economic proposal at the beginning of the year and, to date, there has been no response. The club hopes that the player will decide his future before December 31, and if there is a negative response, the Catalans would try to transfer him in June 2025. On the contrary, if the Dutchman gives the green light, his new salary would be in line with the current scale of the club and would keep him in Barcelona for three more seasons.

Likewise, Barça will have to make a decision with Pablo Torre who, due to the numerous injuries in the midfield, has seen more minutes this season. The Catalans see him as a good asset for the future and intend to renew his contract despite the 'overbooking' that could be generated in the midfield. In addition, if he finally does not manage to make a place for himself in the first team, they could make money with his transfer.

Lamine Yamal, Barça's big operation

Finally, the continuity of Lamine Yamal is Barça's top priority. Due to his age, the forward only renewed until 2026, but there is already an agreement to extend his commitment as soon as he turns 18 until 2030 with a termination clause of 1,000 million euros. At the Spotify Camp Nou there is absolute tranquility in this regard and the culés have him well 'tied up' after a tough negotiation with his agent, Jorge Mendes.

The pending issues of the summer of 2025

On the other hand, Gerard Martín and Robert Lewandowski end their contracts at the end of this season, but their stays are practically assured. While the agreement with the defender is close to being finalized, the Pole can consider himself renewed since he will play more than fifty percent of the games, barring injury, and the clause will be activated to extend for another year. The '9' wants to continue and, in view of his spectacular performance this year, Barça is clear that he is the ideal leader for the Barça forward.

As things stand, the Blaugranas are working tirelessly to resolve the mess of renewals, with November being the date set to analyse the cases and begin planning. The Catalans will make efforts for the youngest 'cracks', while with the veterans they will go down, and if there are no agreements, the exit door will automatically open to make money with their transfers.