Four key squad decisions Barcelona need to take before the summer transfer window

The disorientation within the Barcelona camp is something that the management needs to find a quick solution to. There are several aspects, mostly related to the pending renewals that the team wishes to resolve before the ongoing campaign comes to a close. 

For that, the team, along with the manager Xavi, has identified four footballers who are set to be their priorities and they wish to reach an agreement before the situation gets to a boiling point. 

Ronald Araujo – The future leader

Defender Ronald Araujo has left no stones unturned this season and it’s no secret that the team sees him as a future leader. Unfortunately, the Uruguayan’s contract will run out in 2023 and there’s still no agreement between the parties involved. 

It’s not to say there’s no respect. In fact, the player wishes to continue, and the team is on the same page. However, it’s the economical component that is hindering all the possibilities of signing a new contract.

Now, Barcelona have already made their first offer, but the player was left utterly disappointed with the terms mentioned in it. The player wants to stay, but certainly not at any price. He wants to get into the same category as those who have recently put pen to paper.  

As of today, he is seeking to get an increment of about €5-6 million, while the club wants to settle on €3 million. The team is seeming reluctant to add anything more than that.

Gavi – The midfield prodigy

Gavi’s situation is similar to that of Araujo. His contract expires in 2023 and the young midfielder has already expressed his discontent with Barça’s initial offer. The 17-year-old is currently negotiating a deal with Barcelona and while he, too, wants to stay, he is asking for a considerable rise in his wages.

Ousmane Dembele – The X factor in attack

Despite his superior on-field performances, Ousmane Dembele still remains Barcelona’s biggest headache.

The Frenchman will be out of contract at the end of the season, and the management team is looking to find a middle ground under Xavi’s orders. As it’s been with Araujo and Gavi, Dembele has expressed his desire to stay, but his salary demand is proving out to be a big block.

Sergi Roberto – The swiss knife

Versatile defender Sergi Roberto is one player whose Barcelona future is under extreme scrutiny.

The La Masia graduate is still recovering from his injury, which has put Barcelona in a very difficult situation. While the player wants to continue, the team has shown little to no interest in retaining his services.

The team did come forward with a renewal offer in December, but that came at a price of a lowered salary. As of today, there has been no communication between the team and the player’s entourages.