Barcelona make decision regarding future of 2 key superstars amid exit rumours - Reports
Barcelona have reportedly decided on the future of Frenkie de Jong and Ronald Araujo. The two key players have been linked with an exit from the Camp Nou recently.
Midfielder De Jong contributed two goals in 30 games across competitions in the recently concluded season, but he played just thrice since March due to an ankle injury, Meanwhile, centre-back Araujo contributed a goal and two assists in 37 games across competitions.
Both players are tied to the Camp Nou till 2026. As per Mundo Deportivo, new boss Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco consider the duo as integral to their plans for next season.
While Araujo has been the target of Bayern Munich and Chelsea (as per Mundo Deportivo), De Jong has long been pursued by Manchester United (as per 90Min). However, as per the aforementioned report, Barca - despite their well-documented financial woes - aren't contemplating selling off two of their key players.
De Jong arrived at the Camp Nou from Ajax in the summer of 2019 and has contributed 17 goals and 21 assists in 213 games across competitions. Meanwhile, Araujo has contributed eight goals and five assists in 150 games across competitions since his first-team debut in the 2019-20 season.
How many Barcelona players will be in action at Euro 2024?
Barcelona will have 11 of their players in action at the upcoming European Championship in Germany. Four of them - Ferran Torres, Fermin Lopez, Pau Cubrasi and Lamine Yamal - will turn up for Spain.
Moreover, midfielder Ilkay Gundogan and goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen will represent Germany. Portugal have two Barca players in their Euro 2024 squad - Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix - although they are on loan from Manchester City and Atletico Madrid respectitvely.
Poland striker Robert Lewandowski, Denmark centre-back Andreas Christensen and France centre-back Jules Kounde complete the Barca contingent at the European Championship.
Frenkie de Jong was originally selected in the Netherlands' 26-man finals squad but has recently pulled out, as he hasn't recovered enough from the ankle injury suffered earlier this year.