Ronald Araujo: Barcelona's first winter 'signing'

Ronald Araujo could be the first 'signing' for FC Barcelona for next January. The 26-year-old defender requested a special leave from the club to be absent as part of a plan for emotional and mental recovery, after his expulsion against Chelsea on matchday 5 of the Champions League, on November 25th

The 'Charrúa' traveled to the Holy Land a few days ago and, after spending Christmas with his family, he should be ready to return to work with the rest of the squad. Barça will return to training next Monday, December 29, beginning preparations for the match against Espanyol (January 3) and a schedule that will offer no respite at the start of 2026

In total, the team could play up to eight matches in January, including a potential Spanish Super Cup final (against Real Madrid or Atlético de Madrid) and the Copa del Rey round of 16 (opponent to be confirmed)

Hansi Flick awaits Ronald Araujo's return 

In that regard, having Araujo back will be key for **Hansi Flick**. The manager has had to rely on **Gerard Martín** as a left-sided center-back in recent weeks and, with Andreas Christensen injured long-term, the '4' must regain his 'captaincy' in the first team heading into the second half of 25/26, where Barça will fight to win four titles.

"**Ronald is not ready, it's a private matter and I don't want to say more. I ask you to respect it**," Flick said regarding the Uruguayan's situation before the league match against Atlético. The player from Rivera was out for Barça's last seven games of the year, and the club finally hopes to have him back next week.

Prior to the license granted by the club, Araujo played 886 minutes spread across 15 games (9 as a starter) in which he scored a couple of goals, against Oviedo and Girona. Although the departure of Iñigo Martínez seemed to clear his path back to the starting lineup, his level was not up to par in the first three months of 25/26.

Araujo's future could open or close the door to signing another center-back

Flick alternated **Eric García** and **Christensen** as partners for **Pau Cubarsí** due to doubts surrounding the '4' on the field. Finally, **Gerard Martín** secured the starting position in the last month of competition. Therefore, with Andreas injured, the option of signing another center-back in January is gaining traction within Barcelona's internal circles.

However, the club will not make a market decision until it defines **what Ronald Araujo's role will be** in the decisive stretch of the season. If the Uruguayan returns focused next week and regains his confidence and physical solidity, it would not be a priority to sign another defender in JanuaryOn the contrary, if the '4' continues to leave doubts in his performance, it would be best to incorporate a 'low cost' alternative to prevent players like Cubarsí or Eric from arriving at the end of the season with an overload of minutes. The detail is that, at the moment, there are no players available on the market who convince Flick or Deco

Araujo renewed at the beginning of the year until 2031, but he can negotiate an exit for a price lower than his release clause at the start of the transfer window if he wishes. For now, the defender has no intentions of leaving nor concrete offers to go to another 'top' team.

FC Barcelona Calendar in January 2026

1. Saturday, January 3: vs Espanyol in Cornellà (21:00 CEST), LaLiga matchday 18.
2. Wednesday, January 7: vs Athletic in Arabia (21:00 CEST), Spanish Super Cup semifinal.
3. January 13-14 or 15: opponent and time to be defined, Copa del Rey round of 16.
4. January 17 or 18: vs Real Sociedad in San Sebastián, LaLiga matchday 20.
5. January 21: vs Slavia Prague in Czechia, Champions League matchday 7.
6. January 24 or 25: vs Real Oviedo at Camp Nou, LaLiga matchday 21.
7. January 28: vs Copenhagen at Camp Nou, Champions League matchday 8.