The Premier giant that threatens Ronald Araujo's continuity at Barcelona

The future of Ronald Araujo at FC Barcelona continues to generate doubts for the board and the azulgrana coaching staff. Although the extension of his contract calmed the rumors in the winter market, the situation will be very different come summer. Especially if the Uruguayan fails to regain his starting position in the final stretch of the 2024/25 season, something feasible considering the current conditions of the defender and the tough competition for a spot in the culé defense.

So far in February, Araujo's prominence has diminished following the return to action of Iñigo Martínez. The '4' was a starter against Alavés (1-0), but was replaced at halftime after finishing the first half booked. Against Sevilla (1-4) he only played 22 minutes, due to a strong blow to the ankle, while on Monday against Rayo (1-0) he remained on the bench, something that had already happened in the Cup match against Valencia (0-5).

Liverpool, the only club with an ideal project for Ronald Araujo

In this sense, Liverpool seems willing to go for the 'charrúa' if, ultimately, he finishes the 2024/25 season as a substitute in Barcelona. The 'reds' could lose two key figures in their defense in June (Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk), which will force them to seek a couple of 'top' defenders next summer. In Ronald's case, he would be the ideal backup for the Dutchman, as he has very similar physical characteristics.

This scenario puts Araujo at a crossroads. Beyond the interest from other major European clubs (Juventus, Arsenal, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain...), the Merseyside club is, for now, the only team that makes the Rivera native doubt his continuity at Barcelona. The 25-year-old player renewed in January until 2031, but reserved the possibility of leaving in summer for an affordable price, anticipating a complicated situation with the azulgrana team.

Barça does not rule out losing Ronald Araujo this summer

In principle, the Uruguayan international can leave Barça in July for 65 million euros, a figure that will progressively increase by 15 'kilos' in each transfer window. Meanwhile, the competition for a spot in Flick's XI is becoming increasingly tough, as Pau Cubarsí and Iñigo Martínez remain firm as the team's center-backs, and on the bench, there is now a much more reliable depth available for the German coach.

Eric García has also become important again as a defensive substitute, while Andreas Christensen is set to join the team soon, after spending the entire season injured. All this, along with the possible signing of Jonathan Tah, raises doubts about Araujo's role for the future. If the South American player manages to earn his spot from now until May, his destination strongly points to Anfield Road.