Days go by and Barça's sporting management keeps preparing to face a turbulent summer transfer window. With Flick's arrival on the bench, several pieces of the culé squad are being re-evaluated and the defensive area is one of the main focuses. The emergence of young players like Pau Cubarsí and the strong performance of Íñigo Martínez have sparked an internal debate about the hierarchy of the backline.
Among the names in that analysis is Ronald Araújo, who for years has been considered the main defensive asset of the Catalan club. However, his prominence has diminished in recent months and his role within the team no longer seems as solid as before. In this new context, the Uruguayan finds himself in a delicate situation regarding his future.
Araújo listens to offers, Barça sets a price
Although his commitment to the club hasn't been in doubt, Ronald Araújo is starting to realize that he's lost a lot of influence within the culé first team. That's why a possible departure is starting to gain traction: Bayern Munich keep showing interest in him and already have a solid proposal. Barça know that the Bavarian side plan to offer around €60 million (about 66 million USD) for the Uruguayan, a figure they'd be willing to consider if the interest becomes formal.
The blaugrana club, pressured by their financial situation, don't consider Araújo untouchable. A sale of this magnitude would allow them to free up salary mass and make way for new signings in strategic positions. Meanwhile, the Uruguayan center-back doesn't rule out a change of scenery if a serious offer comes from a competitive club like Bayern Munich.
According to recent reports, Bayern Munich have submitted a proposal to FC Barcelona to sign the Uruguayan defender Ronald Araújo. The offer would involve a swap including the young left-back Adam Aznou, a former blaugrana youth player, and the German international Leroy Sané.
The Bavarian side would be willing to part with the winger to strengthen their defense with Araújo, one of Barça's pillars, also taking advantage of the Catalan club's interest in adding offensive talent and rejuvenating the squad.
A cycle that may come to an end
From the player's camp, it's perceived that the moment he's going through is key. Although he's under contract until 2031, Araújo knows he's no longer the first choice for the German coach. The final decision hasn't been made, but his continuity depends both on Flick's planning and on market movement.
In sporting management, both Joan Laporta and Deco are already considering scenarios in the event of a possible departure. If a firm offer arrives, Barça will seriously consider closing a deal that, although painful for some sectors of the club, could mark a new beginning for both parties.