FC Barcelona is eagerly awaiting the return of Ronald Araújo. The Uruguayan centre-back returned to the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper on 13 September to continue his recovery process, and although he still has a long way to go, his feelings are getting better and better. His return is expected between December and January, but in the meantime he will have to resolve several pending issues with the club in view of the winter transfer market.
The footballer hopes to be available to Hansi Flick at the end of this year or the beginning of next year, but there is still no specific date for his return at the highest level. The club is in no hurry and everything will depend on how he copes with the workloads that are imposed on him on a daily basis. However, at Can Barça they are clear that under no circumstances will they rush and force his return, which will occur when there is certainty that there is no risk of a relapse.
If the stipulated deadlines are maintained, his return will coincide with the pre-transfer market in January, or even with the winter window underway. And it is here where the culés would have a 'hot potato', since before his injury, Araújo was one of the club's main candidates for a possible million-dollar sale that would allow the Blaugrana to balance their coffers. He was not the only name, but he was one of those who solved the most problems with a single move.
Barça does not rule out Araújo's departure
According to 'SPORT', the relationship between the player and the club is at a tense moment, with both parties waiting for the other to take the necessary step to bring their positions closer together. Time is beginning to run against both sides and from the offices of Spotify Camp Nou they would maintain that, although he will not be put on the market in an obvious way, his departure would not be ruled out.
In fact, if a significant offer arrives, Ronald would be asked to sell him. In the meantime, the footballer's efforts are aimed at recovering optimally and, from there, analyzing his options. The Uruguayan is aware of the club's financial needs, but he would have been upset if they did not register him and used the salary released to finish putting together the squad, a formula used with all the injured this season.
Thus, it is clear that Barça and Araújo would be on different pages. The defender's contract expires in June 2026 and, although Ronald is open to extending his contract, he will not do so at any price. The 'soap opera' was 'stalled' by the injury suffered by the player in the Copa América, but it is expected that in January his case will find a solution.