The transfer market is entering its final stretch and Barça is facing decisive hours for its squad. With only one day left before the window closes, anything can still happen until midnight. One of the names generating the most buzz is Ronald Araújo.
The Uruguayan center-back has been a pillar in recent seasons, but his recent performance has raised doubts. Hansi Flick expected a more solid start in defense, but several mistakes have put him in the spotlight. This hasn't gone unnoticed by some European giants who are closely following his contract situation.
Ronald Araujo in a match with Barça | @ronaldaraujo_4
Bayern and Juventus in the race
Bayern Munich is the first to have shown a firm interest in signing Araújo. The German side is looking to strengthen its backline with a physical profile and leadership in the locker room. The reports they have in Bavaria are very positive and they consider him an ideal piece for its project.
However, Juventus is the one that has positioned itself most seriously in the race for the Uruguayan center-back. The Italian club needs to renew its defense and believes Araújo fits its playing philosophy. In Turin, they're willing to make a significant financial effort to bring him in during this very window.
Sources close to the player say he hasn't made a final decision yet. Araújo, who strongly identifies with Barça, prefers to wait before rushing his future. But the pressure from interested clubs and Barça's financial situation could tip the balance at any moment.
Ronald Araujo during a training session with Barça | @FCBarcelona
Uncertainty until the last minute
At Camp Nou, no scenario is ruled out at this point. The board knows that the right offer could change the course of the operation. Laporta and Deco insist they won't give away a key piece, but they're listening to proposals.
The locker room, meanwhile, is experiencing some concern over the speculation about the center-back's future. Araújo is a natural leader in the group and his departure would have a direct impact on the defensive balance. Flick, despite initial doubts, would prefer to keep him as a priority option in his backline.
The problem is that the club's financial urgencies condition any decision. If a proposal close to €50 million arrives, the board would be forced to consider it. From there, the door could open for an unexpected transfer.
Araújo during a training session | @FCBarcelona
Flick's hidden gem
While Araújo's future is being decided, Barça already has a clear strategy to protect its defense. Flick has indicated internally that he has a "hidden gem" to become the new leader of the backline. A center-back who combines experience, authority, and proven technical quality to support the team in key moments.
That player isn't an external signing, but someone who is already part of the Barça squad. In the club offices, they believe he has everything needed to take on the responsibility if the Uruguayan does end up leaving. His recent performance supports the trust placed in him by the coaching staff.
Christensen with Barça | @FCBarcelona
The natural replacement for Ronald Araújo is already in the Barça locker room and his name is Andreas Christensen. The Danish center-back, who arrived from Chelsea, has impressed with his seriousness, ball distribution, and defensive reliability.
At Barça, they believe Christensen has "top" quality and can be the silent leader the defense needs. If Araújo leaves for Bayern or Juventus, the club already knows it has a reliable replacement. For Flick, his trust is clear: the hidden gem is already inside and ready to take on the challenge.
