Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, has dismissed any possibility of the club parting ways with Ronald Araujo or Frenkie de Jong during the upcoming summer transfer window.
Araujo has attracted interest from Bayern Munich and Manchester United, while De Jong has been linked with Manchester United as well, with recent rumors suggesting a potential bid from Paris Saint-Germain. Despite Barcelona’s ongoing financial challenges, Deco remains resolute.
Deco stated in an interview with Movistar, “Nothing will happen. They have valid contracts, and we want to retain the best. They are exceptional players, contributing to both the present and the future. They have earned their place at Barca, gaining the respect of fans and the club. We intend to continue relying on them.”
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Araujo secured a contract extension until 2026, featuring a €1 billion release clause, while De Jong’s deal also extends to 2026. Recently, there were speculations about De Jong’s dissatisfaction at Camp Nou and potential sale, but Deco reportedly met with the player and his agent to dispel such rumors.
Barcelona has undergone significant financial restructuring in recent years, slashing contracts and selling players to navigate financial challenges. An attempted deal to transfer De Jong to Manchester United in 2022 fell through due to player resistance and other complications.
President Joan Laporta expressed optimism about the club’s financial outlook, stating earlier this month, “If we meet the budget, the darkest era in FC Barcelona history will be over. The club has made significant progress in reducing expenses and debt over the past two years, partly due to the revenue from BLM and a reduction in the sports payroll.”