After the end of the season, the Uruguayan center-back has officially renewed his contract with FC Barcelona. The new agreement includes a €60 million ($60 million) release clause, securing his contractual situation. However, that trust from the club hasn't been reflected in playing time.
Throughout the entire season, the defender has barely had any prominence. The emergence of young players like Pau Cubarsí and the performance of Iñigo Martínez have pushed him into the background. His role has clearly been marginal, more focused on locker room duties than on the field.
Ronald Araujo is going through a difficult time | @FCBarcelona
Flick bets on other options
Defensive solidity has come from unexpected sources.
Hansi Flick has prioritized more technical, faster, and tactically flexible profiles in his defensive line. Despite being one of the group's leaders, the Uruguayan hasn't managed to regularly break into the rotation. His absence in key matches says it all.
From the player's camp, they assure that his commitment is total and that he'll fight to turn the situation around. They don't deny that his motivation has suffered after so many months of competitive invisibility. The contract is signed, but he'll have to earn his prominence.
Araujo and Raphinha during a training session | @FCBarcelona
Barça covers its back with a hard-to-match figure.
Despite his limited prominence, the center-back continues to generate interest in the European market. The club has finalized his renewal with a €60 million ($60 million) clause, with the clear intention of not letting him leave easily. It's a preventive move against possible approaches from clubs with greater liquidity.
The player's salary has been kept in check, allowing Barça to maneuver more comfortably in other operations. The board considers him a strategic asset: with experience, leadership, and still room for improvement. That doesn't prevent significant offers from appearing.
Ronald Araujo during a training session | @FCBarcelona
Liverpool closely following his situation
Jürgen Klopp wants to strengthen his defense and sees him as the ideal option.
One of the clubs that has seriously explored signing him is Liverpool. The Anfield team is looking for a center-back with authority and international experience, and the Uruguayan's profile fits perfectly. According to sources close to the situation, the English club would be willing to make an offer if the player takes the step.
For now, there are no official negotiations. However, the interest is real, and it could intensify if the player expresses a desire to leave. Liverpool wants to take advantage of his ambiguous situation to tempt him with a leading role and a competitive project.
Ronald Araujo during a training session with Barça | @FCBarcelona
Between the hope for redemption and the siren call of the Premier League.
The coming month will determine the player's immediate future. If Flick continues to overlook him during preseason, a departure could be inevitable. Liverpool offers him playing time, trust, and a golden opportunity to relaunch his career at the highest level.
Meanwhile, Barça won't let him leave easily. Unless the offer is close to the €60 million ($60 million) clause, the board will remain firm. Everything will depend on how summer preparations begin and the footballer's attitude.
