Barcelona sporting director Deco has stressed his desire to keep Frenkie de Jong. In addition, he also wants to see "one of the best centre-backs in the world" Ronald Araujo stay when they start their 2025 summer plans.
The Catalan team has just completed a domestic double under coach Hansi Flick. Currently, their attention has shifted to recruiting and retaining players this summer. In particular, De Jong, who is often rumored to be leaving, is certainly part of the club's plan.
Manchester United continues to be considered an ideal destination, but the former Ajax player has just had one of his best seasons with Barcelona. And as he enters the final year of his contract, the club is preparing to negotiate an extension.
Deco said in a statement: "Frenkie de Jong this season is the version we want. We want to continue with De Jong, he has one more year on his contract and we will analyze everything calmly."
Barcelona have been struggling with La Liga's financial rules. They struggled to register Dani Olmo after recruiting him last summer. The club are now close to signing Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao.
Ansu Fati is a player who looks set to leave after failing to fully exploit his potential at Camp Nou. Once considered the successor to Lionel Messi, Fati was overwhelmed by the great pressure. Barcelona did not want to keep the Spanish striker but only prioritized loans.
"With Ansu Fati's age and the career he has, he can't help but play football. We are ready to not cause trouble if Fati wants to leave. AS Monaco spoke to us.
Fati has a contract with Barca, if they want him, it will be a loan. Fati is 23 years old, we talk about Fati as if he is 30. But for me, he still has a lot to develop and learn," said Deco.
Deco has also ruled out Araujo's departure from the club, saying he is one of the best players in his position. The centre-back has been linked with a move to Man United in the past. Injuries in the first half of the 2024-2025 season have left him with just 11 La Liga appearances, but Araujo are still highly regarded.
"What we want is to improve the team, not make it worse. And if we lose an important player, it will be a bad thing.
Ronald Araujo has a contract, has extended and has just gone through a difficult season, with unfair criticism. Araujo is one of the best centre-backs in the world, and his departure was not in his plans. Araujo wants to return to their best class," Deco added.
