Barcelona subject contract ultimatum to 2 key stars – as Spanish giants make ‘renew or depart’ demand to important pair

Barcelona have issued ultimatums to both Frenkie de Jong and Ronald Araujo, with the pair’s contracts expiring in 2026.

The Catalan giants remain in top spot in La Liga on 38 points from 18 matches but have had their progress checked after just a win and two draws in their last five games. 

This has left Atletico Madrid level on points with the leaders with a game in hand and bitter rivals Real Madrid just a point behind, also having played one match fewer.

And Barcelona are sweating on the futures of some key figures in their side, including the likes of talented La Masia graduates Pedri and Gavi, although the pair are nearing extensions after productive talks.

A trickier scenario surrounds the deals of midfielder Frenkie de Jong and defender Ronald Araújo with the key players both out of contract in summer 2026.

Now it has emerged that Barcelona are addressing the issue by demanding a ‘renew or leave’ ultimatum to the pair, asking them to sign a new deal by the end of June 2025, Relevo reports. 

Frenkie de Jong is still yet to sign a new contract at Barcelona despite previous negotiations

Barcelona have also issued an ultimatum to centre-back Ronald Araujo over a new deal

The Catalan side are top of the league but have been on a bad run of form of late

A source at the club said: ‘It is important for the club.’

Uruguayan star Araujo looks likely to put pen to paper soon and is expected to graduate to a more important role within the first team and rival other centre-bacls including Iñigo Martínez and Pau Víctor for a place in the side.

The 25-year-old has been out for the entire season with a hamstring injury but he is keen to stay at the Nou Camp and Flick values his pace and physicality.

Barcelona are even believed to be considering a salary increase the centre-back. 

De Jong is a slightly different case, having arrived to much fanfare from Ajax for £72million in 2019, with the Dutchman missing a chunk of the start of the season after suffering ankle ligament damage in April.

And the centre midfielder could be set for a change after refusing a contract extension earlier this year, meaning negotiations will have to commence once again.

Barcelona are not considering offering the star a bigger salary and are thought to be optimistic that a deal can be made with the Dutchman.

Earlier this year, de Jong dismissed sensational claims that his annual salary at Barcelona was an eye-watering £31m-a-year.

Young talents Pedri and Gavi also have their contracts expiring in 2026 but are nearing deals

The midfielder was on the sidelines for months after suffering ankle ligament damage in April

He told Barcelona’s official website: ‘It is not true. That’s a very big figure and is a long way off what I really earn.’

The 27-year-old was also eager to point out that he didn’t refuse to have surgery on his ankle.

De Jong insisted that it was instead a collective decision that was made between himself, the club and the doctors.

He said: ‘Throughout my recovery I have chosen to stay silent.

‘It is not true that the club told me I had to have an operation, and I didn’t want one. Because everyone at the club, the doctors and myself all agreed that surgery was not the best option. 

‘It has been very frustrating for a player who lives and breathes football to be out of action for another lengthy period.’

De Jong admitted that his injuries caused him ‘mental trauma’ but stated that he is relishing his return to action.