Barcelona delay opening contract talks with key forward who is keen to stay in order to address more time critical negotiations

According to MARCA, Barcelona are "counting" on Ferran to continue being an important member of the squad. But that still isn't enough for the club to engage in what are expected to be fairly straightforward contract talks when they eventually do happen. No progress has been made with a renewal offer because the process is yet to even begin.

Ferran and veteran backup goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny are the only Barcelona players with contracts expiring in 2027. That is because the club has already handled extensions for Raphinha and Jules Kounde, both undisputed starters in Flick's strongest XI. Rather than tie Ferran's future beyond the next two years, MARCA adds that a handful of 2026 expiries are now seen as more important to resolve - Frenkie de Jong, Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen. Talks with De Jong and Garcia are currently what Barcelona's sporting department is working on. Ferran has to wait.

Ferran is keen not to leave Barcelona, ready to commit to a new deal, it is reported. That is something he has communicated to the hierarchy on "numerous occasions". But quite when they will be prepared to give him their attention remains to be seen.

After surgery for a bout of appendicitis cut short his more than respectable 2024-25 campaign, Ferran has started the new season in fine form. So far, it's four goals in five La Liga appearances, showcasing his versatility across the forward line when Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal have each had early season injuries, and Marcus Rashford was subject to disciplinary consequences over the weekend. That importance isn't changing any time soon, especially when Barcelona have four games across La Liga and the Champions League between now and October 5.