Centre-half has struggled for minutes and this summer might be time for an exit
Barcelona have a decision to make this summer on the future of Ronald Araujo.
The defender has spent six seasons at the club but struggled to convince. He ended last season on the fringes of the first team.
Hansi Flick has preferred Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin and Eric Garcia at the back, and Andreas Christensen has also strengthened his case to play ahead of Araujo after signing a new contract at the coach’s request.
Araujo is still under contract until June 2031 but reports in Spain suggest Barcelona will assess his involvement this summer once all of their international players have returned for pre-season. His minutes and performance in the friendly matches will determine whether or not he will play a key role next season.
If he performs well enough and shows he can be a part of Flick’s plans next season, it would make the decision to stay easier for both player and club. But if not, then Araujo may need to seek regular first-team football elsewhere.
Barcelona are not expected to block a move if the defender decides he wants to leave before the transfer window closes.
The 27-year-old is still working his way back from the injury he suffered during a training session with Uruguay before the World Cup, which ruled him out of the tournament. Since returning from his post-World Cup break last week, he has been training individually, although he is now in the final stage of his recovery and has recently resumed outdoor sessions.
His fitness situation meant he did not feature in Barcelona’s opening pre-season friendly against CE Europa on Friday, but the club expect him to travel to England with the squad on Monday. The plan is for him to rejoin full training the same week.
Barcelona will face Birmingham City and Preston North End during their training camp in England, before taking on Udinese and Nottingham Forest in Italy. Their preparations will conclude with the Joan Gamper Trophy against Al Ahly.
