Barcelona’s captain Ronald Araujo, who recently received medical clearance after a five-month absence, is now expected to renew his contract before the end of the current season.
According to a recent report by Ferran Correas in SPORT, the club, including head coach Hansi Flick, is eager to keep the Uruguayan centre-back.
Both the sporting management and the club itself are determined to avoid losing him, with discussions about a contract renewal expected to intensify now that Araujo is fully fit again.
There is optimism
Araujo’s current contract is set to expire in 2026, but Barcelona are keen to secure his future at the club before the season concludes.
The atmosphere within the club is optimistic, as Araujo has always expressed his desire to stay. Furthermore, interest from rival clubs has diminished, and Araujo now believes in the direction that Flick’s project is taking.
This has strengthened the club’s confidence that they can reach an agreement on a new contract.
Ronald Araujo wants to continue at Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
While Barcelona are also close to completing the transfer of Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen, it has been made clear that Araujo’s future at the club will not be affected by this move.
And what is that?
This is because Araujo is seen as an integral part of Barcelona’s long-term plans, and Tah’s acquisition is viewed as an additional reinforcement to the squad rather than a replacement for Araujo.
Flick, in particular, is a strong advocate for the Uruguayan, believing him to be one of the best centre-backs in the world. The manager is committed to ensuring the player’s renewal and will make every effort to keep him at Barcelona.
The club’s sporting director, Deco, shares this vision and aims to build a defensive unit with four top-quality centre-backs.
Pau Cubarsi is already considered untouchable, while Inigo Martinez, the team’s only left-footed centre-back, has been promised a key role moving forward.
Araujo’s renewal is a priority, and significant progress has also been made in securing the deal for Jonathan Tah, ensuring the defence will be strengthened for the future.