Currently, the rumor mill is full of speculation regarding the future of FC Barcelona defender and vice-captain Ronald Araujo.
Having recently returned from a long layoff due to injury, the 25-year-old is behind Pau Cubarsi and Íñigo Martínez in Hansi Flick’s scheme.
As such, the Uruguay international is seriously considering an exit in the current January transfer window, with Juventus pushing hard to sign him.
Araujo determined to leave
Earlier this week, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick made it clear that he values Araujo highly and wants to keep him at the club.
However, according to Sports WorldDespite Flick’s efforts, the center-back made his intentions clear: he wants to leave the club during this winter transfer market.
Sources in the Barcelona locker room revealed this fact today and described the situation as unexpectedly turbulent, particularly as the club continues to recover from recent registration problems involving Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor.
Araujo has expressed his desire to move on immediately, and Juventus are pushing to secure his signature before the transfer window closes.
Teammates and staff members have approached him for clarification in recent days, given the urgency of the situation. His response has been unequivocal: he wants to leave as soon as possible.
This determination persists even after Barcelona rejected Juventus’ initial offer and Flick publicly stated his desire to keep Araujo. Despite these guarantees, the Uruguayan has reiterated his position to those who have asked him.
Barça’s position
Barcelona, however, has taken a firm position. The Catalans are unwilling to sell Araujo unless an offer reflects his exceptional quality and potential and have set a valuation of around €70m for the defender.
He blaugrana They are aware, however, that his market value may decrease in the summer if he does not renew his contract, which expires in 2026. By then, he would only have one year left, which would limit the club’s negotiating power.
For now, the situation remains stagnant. Araujo is determined in his desire to leave, Juventus is preparing a second offer and Barcelona will only part with him if a significant financial offer materializes.