The Return of Ronald Araújo, a Financial Boost for Barça

Ronald Araújo is the big news at the moment in the FC Barcelona environment. The center-back returned to a Barça squad for the first time in almost seven months (he hasn't played with Barça since May 19), a factor that, besides allowing Hansi Flick to have a key piece in defense, also translates into a financial boost for the club.

According to the provisions of the FIFA Club Protection Program, the highest body of world football will compensate the club due to the long-term injury suffered by the defender with the Uruguayan national team during the Copa América 2024 held in the United States.

Araújo suffered an injury to the hamstring tendon of his right thigh on July 6 in the Uruguay-Brazil match (0-0, 4-2 p.) which forced him to undergo surgery a couple of weeks later. The compensation applies from the 28th day of inactivity of the player (in Ronald's case, August 3) until the date he receives medical clearance with his club.

The net amount that FIFA will have to pay Barça for Araújo's injury

FIFA establishes a maximum amount of 20,548 euros per day and 7,500,000 euros for injuries lasting up to 365 days, therefore Barça will receive a total of 2,650,692 euros as compensation for the absence of the 25-year-old defender, which lasted 157 days (129 counted by the Club Protection Program).

Initially, the '4' could play his first minutes of the season this Wednesday against Borussia Dortmund, although it is more likely that Hansi Flick decides to reserve him for the league match next Sunday at home against Leganés.

"It's good to have him back, he has a lot of strength, he motivates his teammates and even the coach with his great winning attitude. We'll see how the match develops tomorrow. The plan is for him to play, but I can't say if it will be tomorrow or the weekend", explained Hansi Flick about Araújo in the press conference before the match in Germany.