Barcelona are moving quietly but with great determination; the blaugrana sporting management is clear that they won't be able to make major signings without first completing a significant sale. While Nico Williams's name remains the top priority for the attack, the economic reality forces the club to make painful decisions.
The club's management is already considering several options on the table. The goal is to free up wage bill space and, in addition, bring in an amount close to €60 million. That way, Barça could get closer to the 1:1 rule and go all out for Athletic Club de Bilbao's winger, whose release clause stands at €62 million.
In this context, one name is starting to gain traction as a potential sacrifice: Ronald Araujo, the Uruguayan center-back and one of the squad's top figures. Although the club has always considered him non-transferable, necessity prevails. His profile is highly appreciated in both the Bundesliga and the Premier League.
Contract until 2026
Araujo is under contract until 2026, but he hasn't renewed yet; within the club, it is acknowledged that there hasn't been any progress in that regard. His situation raises doubts, and that makes him one of the most attractive pieces on the market. Bayern Munich have already inquired about him in the past, and in England, several clubs are monitoring his situation.
The Uruguayan international has a market and his value is around €60 million ($65 million), for Barça, that figure would represent a key injection. It would free up wage bill space and allow the club to confidently pursue Nico Williams. In addition, Araujo is one of the most highly valued players in the squad, which ensures that his departure won't be a loan or a discount sale.
Williams is already on his way to Barça
Within Can Barça, there are divided opinions, Xavi considered him untouchable, but with Hansi Flick's arrival, the situation changed. The German coach didn't develop an emotional bond with Araujo and would be willing to accept his departure if that allows the club to strengthen other key areas of the field. The priority is to improve the flanks and add verticality to the attacking play.
Nico Williams's profile remains an obsession in the club's offices; his speed, dribbling, and understanding with Lamine Yamal make him the ideal signing. But Barça know they must act wisely; without a major sale, there's no room for significant operations. In that sense, Ronald Araujo emerges as the main casualty; the center-back has been one of the leaders in the locker room, but the club's financial situation could force them to let him go.
It's not an easy decision, but the club considers it a necessary evil. The roadmap is clear: sell before signing, Ronald Araujo could be the one chosen to open the door to the club's main offensive target of the summer: Nico Williams. Everyone at Barça hopes to finalize the details of the youngest Williams's arrival as soon as possible.