Barcelona director Deco plans to tie down four key players to new long-term contracts

According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, apart from thinking of a long-term project, which includes roping in two full-backs and a midfielder next summer, the Barcelona management is also prioritizing the contract renewals of four key players.

At the moment, as the team look to get their finances in check in order to accommodate Vitor Roque in January.

At the same time, though, they are also looking to finalise the contract renewal of Frenkie de Jong by the end of January, with Deco having already made contact with the Dutchman to convey the club’s plans for him.

After they are done with the Netherlands international, the sporting director, Deco, will move his attention to tje cpntracts of Ronald Araujo, Gavi, and Pedri.

Right now, the extension of Marc ter Stegen’s contract until 2028, which was finalized in August, has tilted the scales heavily in favour of sporting considerations over financial fair play concerns.

With this agreement in place, there is absolute confidence in the German goalkeeper’s role as the primary choice until he reaches the age of 36.

So what next for Barcelona?

The imminent plan of the sporting department of Barcelona is to ensure the team’s backbone is intact and for that matter, De Jong, Araujo, Gavi, and Pedri will be approached over new deals.

While it may not be a pressing concern at the moment, Deco has made it his key objective to secure the long-term futures of the core of the team.

Now, Araujo will turn 25 in March next year and it will be almost impossible for Barcelona to find a defender of Araujo’s commitment and leadership. These qualities have propelled him to the position of the team’s third captain. 

Plans with Gavi and Pedri

Gavi has undeniably established himself as a remarkable presence in the Barcelona roster. In the previous season, he stood as the third player with the most playing minutes, trailing only behind the likes of Ter Stegen and Robert Lewandowski. 

In the current season, his exceptional skills are surpassed in minutes played by only the goalkeeper, Ilkay Gundogan, and Jules Kounde. 

As for Pedri, Xavi is eagerly anticipating his return, hoping to infuse Barcelona’s game with renewed brilliance. His absence, caused by injury, has cast a shadow on the team, and the club firmly believes that he should continue as a guiding light for years to come. 

Now, while there’s no shortage of offers for these three individuals, Deco is adamant that their contract extensions are matters he won’t neglect. The goal is to secure these extensions during the current season, along with that of De Jong.