Ronald Araújo is getting closer to leaving FC Barcelona. The Uruguayan center-back feels relegated to a secondary role in Hansi Flick's plans and his situation is becoming unsustainable. The benching against Atlético de Madrid was the straw that broke the camel's back, a technical decision that has increased his doubts about his continuity at the blaugrana club.
The defender knows he is not a priority for the German coach. Pau Cubarsí and Íñigo Martínez are the untouchable center-backs in the defense, and the Uruguayan has been relegated to a secondary role. Despite his recent renewal, signed with the intention of being a key piece in the team's future, the lack of playing time has led him to reconsider his situation.
Araújo is not only concerned about his role at Barcelona but also about his status in the Uruguay national team. Marcelo Bielsa has already made it clear to him that he needs continuity at his club if he wants to remain a starter for La Celeste. This has led the Uruguayan defender to pressure the blaugrana management: either he starts getting more minutes in the coming weeks or he will activate his release clause in the summer.
Clause of 60 Million
Araújo's contract includes a clause of 60 million euros, a figure manageable for many top European clubs. Teams like Bayern Munich, Manchester United, and Juventus have shown interest in the defender, who could become one of the big names next summer. The sporting management of Barcelona is aware that his situation is delicate and that his departure could be inevitable.
There is no unified stance at the culé club regarding his possible departure. While some directors consider that his sale would be a relief for the team's finances, others fear losing one of the defensive leaders at a key moment of rebuilding. Araújo is a player with character and influence in the locker room, and his departure could affect the team's dynamics.
Goodbye to Barça
The Uruguayan center-back has made it clear that he wants to play and is not willing to spend a season on the bench. His future will depend on what happens in the coming weeks, but his continuity at Barcelona is hanging in the air. If the situation doesn't change, everything points to Araújo saying goodbye to Camp Nou next summer transfer window.
Hansi Flick has no objections to his departure; if there is one area that both the coach and the club consider covered, it is the defense. They know at the club that the Uruguayan center-back is one of the most important players in the backline and that for Flick he is not as important as others. Meanwhile, Deco thinks that with Cubarsí, Íñigo, Eric García, and the return of Koundé to the defense, not to mention that Andreas Christensen is already recovered.