The Ronald Araujo soap opera is experiencing a new episode. At 25, the defender has established himself as an executive at FC Barcelona and one of the very best in the world in his position. After Sergi Roberto and Marc-André ter Stegen, he is even 3rd in the hierarchy of captains, ahead of Frenkie de Jong. Everything would be fine if his contract does not end in 2026 and negotiations for an extension drag on. The problem is above all economic.
“My future depends on the club. Everyone knows that I am very happy here at Barça. And very grateful to Xavi. (…) Since his arrival, I think I have grown a lot as a player and obviously I am very grateful”, said the Uruguayan after qualifying for the quarter-finals of the Champions League. A way of putting pressure on his management since he knows he is being courted and wishes to be upgraded to the level of his status at the club.
Barça will be a seller this summer
For several weeks now, Bayern have been trying to afford it. There was even a telephone exchange in December with Thomas Tuchel and sports director Christoph Freund. “These are always rumors that arise in all markets. There are always discussions, but I am focused on Barça and I always show it. I will always give 100%”, the 1m92 player then replied. In the following days, in the middle of the winter transfer window, the Bavarians sent an offer of €75 million to their Catalan counterparts. Refusal of the latter.
The argument was of a sporting nature with La Liga and the Champions League in focus. The rest proved Barça right since a C1 quarter-final against PSG presents itself. For this summer, however, the situation will be different. With Bayern Munich still very seduced by Araujo’s qualities, the Blaugranas have a good chance of accepting an offer if it meets their expectations. ESPN mentions the sum of around €100 million, confirmed by Sky Sports in Germany.
Barca need two major sales this summer
Thus, the Culers would avoid a costly extension (which they cannot afford anyway) and would restore the accounts a little. Sport specified in this respect that Barça would need at least two major sales in the next transfer window to have a little more freedom. The Saudi offer for Raphinha therefore comes at the right time. Araujo appears to be one of the other players with the highest market value in the squad. The sporting “cost” would also be detrimental…
