Although he is playing in Las Palmas as a defensive pivot, the technical secretariat of FC Barcelona has been following him closely for two years and sees him as a center-back.
Barça is looking to regroup in this position. This means the departure of Ronald Araújo, the star player that the club has decided to put on the market to reduce its wage bill.
The blaugrana team is working at the start of this season without the need for the Uruguayan center-back. Hansi Flick has accepted that if one of the top players in the squad has to be put on the market, it should be him.
Frenkie De Jong is Relieved
In recent weeks, as he's overcome his physical problems and has been able to train fully with the group, Frenkie De Jong has become more popular in Hansi Flick's eyes. The German coach had already wanted to sign him for Bayern at the time.
The Dutch player was Laporta and Deco's favorite to put up for sale, but Flick has vetoed this operation. He's counting on Frenkie despite the overbooking of midfielders that has appeared in the wide area of the field.
Frenkie can breathe a sigh of relief, however. The club has stopped pressuring him to leave and now the shots are pointed towards his teammate Araújo.
Barça will ask for 80 million euros for the Uruguayan center-back, aware that this is his market value. However, his fragility and tendency to get injured could deter those interested in signing him.
Transfer at Zero Cost
The club is still working with the future in mind. And the future could bring Dario Essugo to Barça, according to fichajes.net.
He is Portuguese, 19 years old and can play as a pivot or center-back . He's having a great season at Las Palmas, confirming a progression that has had Barça monitoring him since the start of last season.
He is a very physical player. He has characteristics similar to those of Ronald Araújo, whom he could surpass according to reports if he continues his upward progression.
Essugo is on loan from Sporting CP and his contract ends on June 30, 2025. In other words, Barça is looking to bring him to Camp Nou at zero cost.
The first contacts have already taken place. Flick has given his approval after watching several videos and his incorporation could take place at the end of the current season.