With options above the Uruguayan in the pecking order and bringing in stronger defensive options on the agenda, the club could be looking to move him on
Ronald Araujo has long straddled a line at Barcelona.
On the one hand, when available he is often a good enough option for Barcelona. He was named vice-captain in 2023 and has since remained in the leadership group, becoming first captain in January of this year after Marc-Andre Ter Stegen left on loan to Girona.
But on the other hand, he is far from their most reliable defender. When fit, all of Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Gerard Martin, Andreas Christensen and Jules Kounde could well be Hansi Flick’s preferred choices at centre-back.
Araujo has also been involved in situations where fans and the media have blamed him for situations that led to key defeats. This occurred in Barcelona’s Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan in 2025, when Araujo was blamed for the team conceding a late goal at the San Siro that ultimately resulted in their elimination.
He was abused severely on social media and his family were targeted. The coaching staff had to work hard to keep the squad together and motivated so they could bounce back after that, including organising a barbecue at the training ground.
Last season, another incident occurred as Araujo was sent off in a Champions League game against Chelsea and Barcelona were forced to play the entire second half with ten men, losing 3-0. The player was heavily abused again and Barcelona later gave him some time off to take care of his mental health.
He visited family and friends in his native Uruguay and went on a journey to religious sites in Jerusalem and Bethlehem, later crediting divine inspiration for his recovery.
With many options currently above him in the pecking order and bringing in stronger defensive options possibly on Barcelona’s agenda this summer, it is hard to see a place for Araujo in Flick’s plans.
The defender himself wants to stay at Barcelona and intends to compete for a starting place, according to reports in Spain. However, the situation could change if Flick makes it clear to him that regular first-team football will be limited.
Barcelona are not believed to be pushing their captain towards the exit, but the club could yet face difficult decisions before the transfer window closes. Any attempt to strengthen in central defence may require departures, for financial reasons as well as to create space in the squad.
Araujo is certainly loved by the Barcelona squad, and possibly by Flick himself, but purely in footballing thinking, he may be the one surplus to requirements and the club could be looking to move him on.
