Despite the generally optimistic tone that Barcelona sporting director Deco tried to convey in a recent interview, the Blaugrana have not yet made any progress regarding new contracts for Ronald Araujo . Both have their contracts expiring in 2026, meaning Barcelona are looking to extend their contracts over the next seven months or consider selling them next summer.
De Jong's future has been the subject of considerable doubt in recent months and has not responded to a contract offer made last season. There is more optimism with it But Confirm that no progress has been made on his deal either. Barcelona are offering to reduce De Jong's salary to a level they deem appropriate, but the club's sporting department suspects he does not want to extend his contract.
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The Blaugrana view the Uruguayan as a key player and are prepared to significantly increase his salary to reflect this. Deco and coach Hansi Flick consider him to be one of the best in the world when fully fit and believe he could partner Pau Cubarsi at Can Barca in the coming years.
There have been no developments with him either and there is no confirmation, but his agents are expected to arrive in Barcelona before the winter break to discuss Araujo's future. His agents will probably sit down with Deco to see if a compromise can be reached.
Certainly Araujo was almost always a starter as long as he was fit, and at the age of 25 it makes sense to extend his contract, even if they actually had the intention of selling him at some point. In the case of the Dutch midfielder, Marc Casado's emergence certainly came at the right time for the Blaugrana, as they will need de Jong's services less if they feel he can do a job in the middle to secure the place in the long term.
