Barcelona hope to complete three contract extensions through Depay’s departure – report

The strategy of Barcelona in the ongoing winter transfer market is such that if Memphis Depay leaves, they will utilize the monitory space to register the new contracts of Gavi, Ronald Araujo and Alejandro Balde, reports Spanish publication SPORT.

The outlet claims that Barcelona do not really have a major operation planned this month, meaning that whatever space they create through the hypothetical departure of Memphis Depay, it will be utilised to fulfil the aforementioned actions.

The team from Catalonia is of the idea that since the Dutchman’s departure is imminent, at least two contracts could be finalised before the end of the month.

The space in the salary limit that the Blaugrana will have will go to the registration of the contracts and not in signing a new player. 

Interestingly enough, MD quotes that the contracts of Gavi and Araujo have already been agreed and signed. This happened at the beginning of the ongoing season, but given the difficult state of finances, Barcelona have not been able to make it official.

At Barcelona, Xavi would like to reinforce his roster this month, but the contract extension of the trio is being treated as the utmost priority. And this is why there will be no signing this month.

Gavi and Araujo are the undisputed starters for Xavi and Balde has gained enough prominence as well. 

It must be remembered that both Gavi and Araujo put pen to their respective deals in 2022 and their ongoing contract runs until 2026. The situation with Balde, however, is entirely different. 

The full-back’s contract is due to expire in 2024 and there is absolutely no denying the fact that Barcelona want to extend his stay.

All the operations, however, solely depend on whether or not Depay leaves the team this month. In that context, fellow La Liga side Atletico Madrid are expected to be the most likely suitor and as reported before, even the player is excited about the opportunity.