Barça's sports management knows that this summer's transfer market will be decisive for reorganizing the club both in sports and economically. In a context of financial restrictions and urgent income needs, the culé club is starting to open the door to some unexpected departures. Especially of players who, although they have been important in recent seasons, have also lost prominence in Hansi Flick's plans.
Among the names on the list of possible sales is Ronald Araújo. The Uruguayan center-back has been an emblem of the culé defense in recent years, but his current situation places him in uncertain territory. His role has changed, and the arrival of offers for him could trigger one of the most significant operations in the upcoming market.
Strong Offer
Ronald Araújo has lost part of his status as an undisputed leader this season. Injuries, some punctual errors, and the consolidation of Pau Cubarsí and Iñigo Martínez have relegated him to the background in several key matches. Although he remains an influential player in the culé locker room and with a huge international profile, his fit in Flick's new model generates certain doubts.
In this context, a proposal from Saudi Arabia has created noise in FC Barcelona's offices. The initial offer would be around 50 million euros, a figure that makes Deco and Joan Laporta think. Although there is still no formal negotiation, the Catalan club no longer considers him non-transferable, and if a figure close to 60 million is reached, his sale could be finalized.
His Departure Gains Strength
The Uruguayan center-back has been key in the past, but his present doesn't guarantee him as the axis of the new Barça. Deco, who is looking for solutions to clean up finances without weakening the project, considers that selling Araujo wouldn't be a step back if a significant figure is achieved. Moreover, keeping young players like Cubarsí or reinforcing other priority areas directly depends on these types of decisions.
As of today, Barça is not in a hurry, but they are already preparing the ground: if 60 million is reached, they won't hesitate. The Saudi option is real, and the player doesn't rule out a change of scenery if his role continues to be secondary. In his environment, the possibility of an agreed departure is already being considered, as long as his sporting and economic aspirations are respected.