After days and days of speculations, the renewal of Ronald Araujo seems to be close to materializing. Details of the alleged agreement have not yet emerged, but it has been suggested that it could be signed by the end of this week at the latest.
This masterful move by FC Barcelona, which undoubtedly has Deco as one of its main architects, the sometimes questioned Barcelona's sports director, Deco, who, if he manages to finalize this move, will have given an authentic 'masterclass' against his detractors.
The sports director of the Catalan team had a phone conversation with Ronald Araujo on the night of last Tuesday. A contact that completely changed the scenario of this 'soap opera', putting it in favor of Barcelona.
How did Deco convince Ronald Araujo to bet on his continuity at Barcelona?
As reported by 'Relevo', the former Portuguese footballer, in conversation with the Uruguayan defender, would have requested to first-hand know the conditions offered by Juventus to take him to Turin in this winter market. Once these conditions were known, Deco, in a sincere exchange of words with the '4', initiated his persuasion strategy.
Initially, Deco would have appealed to sentimentality, as he sought to captivate the Uruguayan's Barcelona sentiment, making it clear the leading role he would have in the sports project of Hansi Flick, which is looking increasingly promising, with a Spanish Super Cup in its trophy cabinet. At the same time, the team from the City of Barcelona is present in all competitions: in the Copa del Rey round of 16, in second place in the UEFA Champions League, and in third place in LaLiga EA Sports, a sports panorama that invites great achievements where he should play a stellar role.
The Uruguayan's salary must significantly improve
Regarding the economic aspect, the issue of salary had to be addressed as Ronald Araujo is one of the lowest earners in the Barça squad, a situation unrealistic given his sporting and hierarchical importance. Although figures have not been disclosed, a significant financial effort by the club to increase his earnings was mentioned.
This option is viable thanks to agreements with VIP boxes and reaching the 1:1 standard that allows greater salary flexibility, enabling better long and medium-term contracts.
The clause that would change in the renewal contract of the '4'
In this regard, apparently another contractual issue was discussed with Ronald Araujo, one of them being his release clause. Currently, the defender has a release clause of 1,000 million euros, which is not ruled out to be reduced to a more reasonable amount. At least that is the intention of both parties. The aim is to establish a more standard amount that can serve as a starting point in future negotiations.
With most of the conditions agreed upon by both parties, Ronald Araujo would have given his approval to Deco. Now all that remains is for that conversation to translate into the officialization of the Uruguayan's renewal and the signing of the respective contractual agreement.