Ronald Araujo advances his preseason and reaffirms his continuity at Barça

Ronald Araujo has made a gesture of commitment that has not gone unnoticed in the environment of Football Club Barcelona. With just a week left before the reduction of his release clause expires, the Uruguayan center-back has advanced his return to training at the Ciutat Esportiva, clearly showing his desire to remain linked to the Catalan club.

On Wednesday, Araujo was seen at the facilities of Sant Joan Despí, despite the fact that coach Hansi Flick had granted vacation to most of the squad until Sunday. He was not the only one to return early: Marc Bernal, Andreas Christensen, Joan García, Ibrahim Diarra, and Héctor Fort also trained. However, the presence of the Uruguayan international carries special significance due to his current contractual situation.

Araujo's early return with a message included

The early return of Ronald Araujo is not a casual gesture. His current release clause, estimated between 60 and 70 million euros, expires next July 15. From that date, the price for his departure skyrockets to 1 billion euros, which would secure his continuity at the club.

When asked about his immediate future after training, Araujo responded candidly:

"For me, yes," publicly reaffirming his intention to continue wearing the blaugrana jersey.

This gesture adds to previous statements from sporting director Deco, who made it clear at the end of June that "leaving is not in Ronald's plans. He wants to return to his best level".

Araujo wants to put a difficult season behind him

The Uruguayan center-back concluded a challenging season both physically and competitively. A serious injury suffered during the 2024 Copa América kept him out for months, preventing him from starting the preseason normally and forcing him to debut in January, in the Copa del Rey. In his absence, Iñigo Martínez and Pau Cubarsí formed a solid partnership in the heart of the defense.

Despite this context, Barça renewed Araujo's contract until 2031 in the winter transfer market, closing the door on a possible exit that had attracted interest from clubs like Juventus, whose offer was deemed insufficient by the Catalan club.

Flick and the puzzle in the culé defense

With the return of Ronald Araujo and the recovery of Christensen, Hansi Flick will have to manage a squad with high density in the defensive axis. As of today, the German coach has up to five top-level center-backs in the squad:

• Ronald Araujo
• Pau Cubarsí
• Iñigo Martínez
• Eric García
• Andreas Christensen

Pau Cubarsí and Iñigo Martínez were untouchable last season, while Eric García had a good season after returning from Girona. Christensen, for his part, will seek to regain ground. In this context, Araujo's continuity poses a challenge for the coaching staff, who must decide whether to maintain the overcrowding in defense or let go of some players.

Araujo's clause, key until July 15

One of the determining factors in the Uruguayan's situation is his release clause. Until July 15, any club interested in signing him could negotiate for a figure around 60-70 million euros.

Related

Danger for Barça? Ronald Araujo's clause drops for 2 weeks

From that date, this clause will become inaccessible as it increases to 1 billion euros, a common safeguarding strategy in Barça's contractual policy.

This date is seen internally as a turning point. The player's early presence in preseason is not only a sign of commitment but also a tactic to definitively close any speculation about his future before the new contractual terms are activated.

Ronald Araujo sends a clear message of commitment

In a summer where several movements are expected in the market, Ronald Araujo has made it clear that his priority is to succeed at Barça. His early return, combined with his contract renewal and public statements from both him and the club, sends a strong message: the Uruguayan center-back does not contemplate wearing any jersey other than the blaugrana for the 2025/26 season.

Ronald Araujo in a match against Atlético de Madrid

The final decision regarding the arrangement of pieces in defense will now fall on Hansi Flick, but the truth is that Barça knows that having a fully fit Araujo could be key to facing a demanding season on all fronts.

The Araujo case confirms once again that gestures speak louder than words. And in this case, the Uruguayan's is unequivocal: commitment, leadership, and a desire to continue being a defensive pillar at Barcelona.

For more news about the blaugrana market and the 2025 preseason, keep visiting FCBN, your reference portal to stay updated on everything happening at Football Club Barcelona.