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No Rose without a Thorn: Deco Confirms while Laporta and Flick Happily Accept

Optimism and pessimism coexist at Barça. Two players with different destinies.

Barça's squad management has faced significant challenges in recent months, especially in regard to contract renewals of key players. Two landmark examples are those of Ronald Araújo's and Frenkie de Jong's, whose contractual situations have been a subject of interest. While a more optimistic horizon is looming with Araújo, contacts with Frenkie De Jong remain stalled.

Barça's sporting director Deco has taken on a central role in the negotiations for the renewal of contracts of key players for the sporting project. His objective is to ensure the continuity of players who bring quality and stability to the team. In this context, the renewals of Ronald Araújo and Frenkie de Jong have become priorities for the sporting management.

A soccer player in a black uniform and captain's armband on a playing field.
Frenkie de Jong: priority in Barça's negotiations | Getty Images

Optimism at Barça with Ronald Araújo

Ronald Araújo, a 25-year-old Uruguayan center-back, has proven to be a key player in Barça's defense. His current contract ends in 2026 and, although he has received offers from other European clubs, his desire is to continue at Camp Nou. This commitment has caused optimism in the board, which thinks it's possible to reach an agreement that benefits both parties.

Ronald Araújo's desire to stay at the club has facilitated negotitations. The way he relates to the project and his adaptation to the style of play are factors that play in favor of a successful renewal. Deco positively values the player's attitude and is confident of closing the deal in the near future. President Joan Laporta and coach Hansi Flick agree on this.

Two men in FC Barcelona sportswear stand on a training field, one standing with his hands on his waist and the other crouching with a soccer.
Araújo and Hansi Flick in a Barça training session | @FCBarcelona_es

Stagnation with Frenkie de Jong

In contrast, the agreements with Frenkie de Jong present greater difficulties. The Dutch midfielder, also under contract until 2026, is considered essential to the tactical scheme of the team. However, talks about his renewal are at a standstill, with no significant progress made in recent months.

Salary differences and contractual expectations have complicated negotiations. Despite the efforts of Deco and the board, a short-term solution is not in sight. This situation is causing concern, as Frenkie De Jong's continuity is vital for the sporting project led by Laporta and Flick.

Laporta and Flick Support Deco's Management

Both Joan Laporta and Hansi Flick have expressed their support for Deco's work in managing the renewals. They recognize the complexity of the negotiations and are confident that agreements beneficial to the club will be reached. Ronald Araújo's renewal is seen as a positive step, while Frenkie De Jong's situation requires a more detailed strategy to resume negotiations.