FC Barcelona has taken a stance that is, at the very least, striking regarding Ronald Araujo's future. The growing rumors about the possible departure of the 25-year-old defender in the winter market have surprised the club, but the management does not seem willing to make a significant effort to prevent his departure if Juventus improves their offer in the coming days.
Despite being one of the team captains and one of the best defenders in the world, Barça prefers to let the player decide whether to resume negotiations for a renewal or accept an offer to leave in January. In this regard, both Joan Laporta and Hansi Flick have made it clear how important the 'charrúa' is within the squad. However, the Blaugrana's stance seems inflexible regarding trying to convince the '4' to stay with a significant improvement in his contract.
Joan Laporta leaves the decision in Ronald Araujo's hands
In his appearance before the media to discuss the 'Olmo case' and the financial situation of Barça, Laporta left the door open for the Uruguayan international's departure. For the president, it is key to guarantee the continuity of all the references in the squad, and clearly, Ronald is one of them. However, the president left the decision in the player's hands about what to do in the winter market, as negotiations regarding his renewal are currently far from being resolved.
"Araujo has a valid contract, but circumstances have arisen that I do not enter into nor know about, and he is talking with the sports management. We appreciate him a lot on a professional level, but especially on a personal level. There is still room to find a solution that is satisfactory for everyone", explained Laporta. In this way, the Blaugrana management clarifies its stance on the future of the center-back.
Ronald Araujo maintains his status as captain and figure of the squad, but surprisingly is not considered untouchable despite having a contract for another year and a half and a buyout clause of 1 billion euros. The absence of Iñigo, without a doubt, may weigh on the short-term decision of the player from Rivera, who must decide in the coming days what he considers most convenient for his future: to try his luck with another team or stay in Barcelona, where both the locker room and the fans have reaffirmed their support and affection for him.
Hansi Flick, convinced of the importance of having Araujo
For his part, Hansi Flick was also asked about the future of the Blaugrana captain in the press conference before the match against Real Betis (Wednesday at 21:00), where the '4' will be a starter. True to his custom, the coach avoided referring to market rumors, making it clear that any conversation he had with Ronald or any other player in the squad would always be confidential. In that sense, he also reiterated the importance of having the '4' back at this point in the season.
"We are not happy with Iñigo's injury, he is a leader, performs well... but we are happy that Araujo is back. He showed against Real Madrid, he performs very well. And this is what I expect from him. He is a very good defender, one of the best. And a good leader. He demonstrated that on Sunday", argued the Blaugrana coach. Thus, the Uruguayan international will have the final word on his future, both in the winter market and in the coming months if he ultimately rules out leaving for Juventus in January.