As reported earlier today, FC Barcelona have all but secured the contract renewals of key players Pedri and Gavi, both of whom have their current deals expiring in 2026.
Another important player who belongs in the same category is captain and defensive mainstay Ronald Araujo.
The Uruguayan international, who has recently returned from a long-term injury absence, has 18 months left on his deal.
Talks over an extension have taken place in the past but no significant progress has been achieved. However, things could be set to change in the weeks to come.
Araujo determined to stay at Barcelona
This is because, SPORT reports that Araujo is very much determined to stay put at Barcelona, leading to the player’s and the club’s position over a renewal getting closer and closer.
One of the most important players in the squad, the second captain has only recently made his way back from an injury that kept him out for more than five months.
Keen to stay put. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
And now that he is involved in the mix, Araujo is expected to regain his old prominence in the side in the months to come.
Even though the defender had some aspersions about a renewal in the past, those have all now dissipated away, with Araujo motivated to stay and succeed at Barcelona.
Manager Hansi Flick also sees the defender as an important part of his plans and as such, everything seems to be falling in place for the Uruguayan international to negotiate and agree a new contract with the club.
Ideally, Barcelona intend to enter into the summer with the contract situation of their key defender resolved. Whether that materialises or not remains to be seen.
*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.