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Barcelona 'prioritise new contracts for Frenkie de Jong, Robert Lewandowski'

Barcelona 'prioritise new contracts for De Jong, Lewandowski'
© Reuters
Barcelona sporting director Deco is working to sign Frenkie de Jong and Robert Lewandowski to new contracts, according to a report.

Barcelona sporting director Deco has reportedly been tasked with securing the futures of Frenkie de Jong and Robert Lewandowski.

De Jong, 26, has another three years left to run on his contract at Camp Nou, while Lewandowski, 35, also has a deal until June 2026, with the option of an additional 12 months.

Both players are currently on the sidelines through injury, but De Jong has scored once in seven appearances for Barcelona this season, while Lewandowski has six goals and four assists in 10 outings.

There has recently been speculation surrounding the duo, with Manchester United still said to be keen on De Jong, with Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag a long-term admirer.

Lewandowski is being heavily linked with a switch to Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, with a number of clubs from the Saudi Pro League said to be keeping a close eye on his future, but according to Sport, new deals for the duo are seen as priorities by the football department at the club.

Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong pictured during training on February 22, 2023© Reuters

Deco has denied that contract talks with De Jong have already begun, but the club's new sporting director has confirmed that he has now made contact with the Dutchman's agent.

"Firstly, I have sent some messages to agents I didn't know to introduce myself. And what I did with Frenkie was this," Deco told Mundo Deportivo.

"Frenkie is not alone with this date [of contract expiry]. There are others. When we talk about the future, about solidity, they are players who we would like to stay at the club for many years.

"But we haven't talked about renewal yet, the only conversation has been to introduce myself. We like Frenkie, as we like Pedri, [Ronald] Araujo, Gavi, [Ilkay] Gundogan, who can be at the club for many years.

Barcelona's Sergi Roberto celebrates scoring their first goal with Frenkie de Jong, Andreas Christensen and Robert Lewandowski on February 19, 2023© Reuters

"Frenkie is at a perfect age as a footballer and is playing at a high level. That's why we want him to be there for quite a few years.

"I don't know what happened in the past, I can't talk about things I wasn't present for. But more important than the agents or me, what is important is the player. In the end the player is the one who decides his life. The important thing is that I see a happy, happy player, enjoying himself, playing football at a high level.

"And at Barca the players have to be happy to play at their best level, knowing the pressure that exists, but that they are comfortable, and I see Frenkie comfortable, he has a contract for this season and two more and the important thing is that he Keep enjoying the club, just like the rest."

Lewandowski, meanwhile, has proved to be an inspired signing for Barcelona, scoring 39 goals and registering 12 assists in 56 appearances since his arrival from Bayern Munich last summer.

The Poland international is currently out with an ankle problem, but he is working to be fit for El Clasico against Real Madrid before the end of the month.

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FC Barcelona sporting director Deco speaks during the board meeting on September 13, 2023
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