Barcelona could face complications in their bid to renew star midfielder’s contract – report

As reported earlier today, Barcelona have already initiated contacts to secure the long-term futures of four key players in Pedri, Gavi, Ronald Araujo, and Frenkie de Jong.

All four aforementioned stars have their current deals expiring in 2026 and the Blaugrana are already laying the groundwork to extend their contracts, even though it would only come into force next season onwards.

De Jong’s case could be complex

While there are no complications expected as far as the renewals of Pedri, Gavi, and Araujo are concerned, Luis F Rojo of MARCA claims that there could be some complexities with the case of De Jong.

The 26-year-old is very well aware of the Blaugrana’s intention to offer him a new, long-term contract but is in no hurry to sign a new deal at this moment.

Furthermore, the report states that De Jong has not forgotten how Barça tried to force him out of the club and ship him off to Manchester United last year when they needed to cut their expenses and generate revenue.

Even though he is happy at the club, what happened in the past might be a concern when it comes to contract negotiations.

De Jong’s contract expires in 2026. (Photo by ANDER GILLENEA/AFP via Getty Images)

Deco starting with a clean slate

However, it is new sporting director Deco who is leading the contract negotiations and he has already communicated to De Jong that the situation is no longer the same as it was last year and that he was not even at the club when those things happened.

Given the level of performance that the Dutchman is showcasing, Barcelona want to shield him at the club and are ready to make an effort to tie him down to a new deal.

Initial contacts have thus been made and negotiations are likely to pick up pace possibly in early 2024.

Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/barcelona-could-face-complications-in-their-bid-to-renew-star-midfielders-contract-report/

Author : Michel Durant

Publish date : 2023-11-16 13:07:06

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