U-turn with the latest on Ronald Araújo: maximum happiness at Barça, it's official

Ronald Araújo has already made a definitive decision about his immediate future at FC Barcelona. The defender, after weeks of uncertainty and tempting offers from abroad, will remain under Hansi Flick's orders. The club is celebrating this resolution as one of the biggest pieces of news of the summer.

The Uruguayan international started the preseason with a very different attitude compared to previous months. He has appeared committed, motivated, and willing to regain the trust of the Barça fans. "This year I'm going to show my best version," he reportedly said with a laugh to his teammates.

The board, led by Deco, has been very alert to the case since the start of the summer transfer window. They knew he was a very attractive piece for several European giants. That's why his staying is now considered a strategic victory both in sporting and symbolic terms.

Juve tempted him, but Deco was key

During the last weeks of June, Juventus tried to secure his signing with a very attractive offer. Araújo considered it, especially because of the uncertain role that awaited him with the new coach. However, Deco acted quickly and managed to redirect the situation.

The sporting director guaranteed him important minutes and conveyed full trust in him within Flick's new project. In addition, after Íñigo Martínez's injury, his position in the starting eleven has become even more important. All of this was decisive for the center-back to decide to stay.

The new coaching staff has valued his commitment very positively from day one. They believe he has unique qualities within the defensive squad. His power, leadership, and competitive character make him an irreplaceable player.

Renewed until 2031 with a protected clause

Just a few days ago, Barça formalized his renewal with a contract that ties him to the club until the summer of 2031. The agreement includes a detail that hasn't gone unnoticed by the clubs that wanted him. His release clause was low until July... but that's over now.

Starting this Tuesday, any club interested will have to pay 500 million euros to sign him. This figure (500 million euros) puts him completely out of reach for the continent's biggest clubs. Meanwhile, Flick considers him untouchable in his defense for the 2025/26 season.

The German coach believes his partnership with Koundé could be one of the best defensive duos in Europe. However, he also considers using him as a full-back at certain times. In any case, Araújo will be an essential pillar of the new Barça.

On the way out

Barça's big challenge now is to balance the books to register new signings before August 17. In this context, Araújo's continuity forces other moves in the defensive squad. There are two names in the spotlight: Christensen and Éric García.

Both have contracts until 2026 and hold important spots in the club's wage bill. Although both want to stay, the sporting management is considering a sale if a convincing offer arrives. The goal is to free up space to comply with financial Fair Play.

Flick prefers to keep Araújo and sacrifice one of the center-backs with less competitive impact. That's the reason why the Uruguayan has won the internal battle to stay. Now, the next step will be to find an exit for whoever is left without a place.

Ronald Araujo during a training session | @FCBarcelona

In a summer marked by austerity and high-impact decisions, Araújo's continuity is a positive exception. Not only have they managed to keep a key figure, but they've also protected him from possible temptations. It's a double victory for the club.

The coming days will continue to be marked by forced departures and signings conditioned by compliance with the salary cap. However, in the Uruguayan's case, they've acted in time and with clarity. The commitment has been firm: Ronald Araújo will be one of the leaders of the new Barça.

The center-back has closed the door to offers and now only thinks about competing and giving back to the con