FC Barcelona could face a new problem in this transfer market. Ronald Araujo, one of the team's defensive pillars, doesn't guarantee his continuity at Camp Nou. This situation is causing significant concern for Deco, Barça's sporting director, who had hoped to count on the Uruguayan center-back as a key piece for the next season.
Araujo has kept talks with the board in recent months, but they haven't managed to move forward toward a contract renewal that would clear up all doubts. His contract expires in June 2026, but his name has been on the radar of several top European clubs for some time. Bayern Munich and Manchester United, among others, are closely monitoring his situation.
Although he has publicly reiterated his commitment to the club, the truth is that the defender no longer rules out a change of scenery. His inner circle acknowledges that he doesn't feel fully valued by the board. It's not just about finances, but also the lack of clarity in the sporting project and the constant pressure from the Barça environment.
Flick counts with Araujo
Hansi Flick's decisionhasn't changed his perception much. The German coach does count on him, yes, but Araujo knows that the offers he's handling could mean a sporting and financial leap. The player hasn't made a final decision yet, but he's seriously considering leaving if he doesn't see changes in the club's sporting management.
Deco had hoped to keep him for at least one more season. However, the Uruguayan center-back understands that his value is at its highest point and that FC Barcelona could get a good sum for his transfer. The club's financial situation also means that no major sale is ruled out, and from Germany, they insist that Bayern will try again this summer.
A Dembélé case
They already tried in January and aren't giving up; the Bavarians are looking to strengthen their defense and consider Araujo the ideal profile: powerful, fast, young, and with character. Everything the new project led by Vincent Kompany needs, and at Camp Nou, they're afraid of a repeat of the "Dembélé case". That is, losing a key player without being able to react in time.
That's why, if there's no agreement to renew before August, the club could be forced to listen to offers. Deco would have to make a tough decision: sell a locker room leader or risk a problem. Ronald Araujo, meanwhile, keeps calm, but he has already warned his inner circle that he's ready to leave if he doesn't feel valued.
He doesn't want more empty promises, he wants actions, and Barça, with its financial and sporting problems, might not be in a position to offer them. Ronald Araujo could become Deco's biggest headache this summer; the center-back, who seemed untransferable a year ago, is now opening the exit door. The Uruguayan center-back could open the door to the Bavarian club, as long as the offer is good.