Latest developments
- Barcelona want to extend Ronald Araujo's contract
- €70 million-rated defender wanted a move away
- Uruguayan's contract set to run out in 2026
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3.5/5): MARCA can be misleading sometimes
Barcelona star Araujo has been in very good form over the last few years after having been promoted from the ‘B' team in 2020. The Uruguayan was a part of the Catalan side's record-breaking defence in the 2022-23 season alongside Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde as the side only conceded 20 goals in 38 league matches.
However, over the last year, the relationship between Barcelona and Araujo had been dwindling, and with the 25-year-old's contract set to expire in 2026, talks of a potential sale had been ramping up. However, the two sides are reportedly now set to sign a new contract.
MARCA can be considered as a reputable source for Spanish football news, however, their reports relating to Barcelona can be off-target at times.
Value (5/5): Araujo one of the best in the world
Barcelona have a very set defensive line this season under Hansi Flick as Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez have been performing on a very high level for the club in an extremely high line. As such, questions have been raised about whether Araujo would walk back into the starting lineup once he returns from his injury.
However, Araujo remains one of the best centre-backs in the world and Barcelona are unlikely to find a better physical centre-back for the price it would take to renew Araujo. As such, it would be a no-brainer for the side to hand the 25-year-old a new contract regardless of how costly it could be to the side's financial sheets.
Suitability (4/5): Flick's backline may not suit Araujo
Part of the reason Flick's high line at Barcelona has succeeded very well this season has been because of the great understanding between Cubarsi and Martinez and the duo's intelligence towards understanding the opposition's movements.
As such, the tactics may not suit Araujo depending on how he partners up with either Cubarsi or Martinez. However, the Uruguayan's pure physical abilities and his sheer pace of defending on counter-attacks will mean that even if the high line fails, he will be able to track back on most occasions.
Upgrade? (4/5): Age not on Martinez's side
Araujo has been the best centre-back at the club over the last couple of years and despite being prone to mistakes, he will be the best at the club whenever he returns from injury. It is likely that Araujo will replace Martinez in the starting lineup as Cubarsi has by far been the best centre-back in the world this season.
While Martinez has shown a lot of experience and intelligence to counter his lack of pace, his body will soon start to give in to age and Barcelona will need to replace the centre-back. As such, there is not a better option to do so than Araujo.
Logic (5/5): Contract renewal for one of the best
Despite their struggles with registration of players, Araujo should be the number one renewal priority for the club as they will not want to lose the €70 million-rated defender for free when his contract expires in 2026. Regardless of their future plans for the Uruguayan, whether they want to sell him next summer, a renewal has to be on the agenda for Barcelona president Joan Laporta if he is serious about taking the club back to the top.
Whisper+ final verdict – 21.5/25
Flick has stated unequivocally that Araujo will play a significant role in his project. After taking on additional responsibility as captain, the defender feels appreciated and prepared to contribute.
With both parties closer to a resolution than they were a few months ago, Barcelona's first priority should be to extend Araujo's contract if they are serious about continuing their upward trajectory.
