Araujo is not moving from Barça: Flick is 100% counting on him

FC Barcelona will not listen to offers for Ronald Araujo in the current summer market. The 'charrúa' had an affordable clause (65 million euros) during the first two weeks of the transfer window, but he personally ruled out negotiating with other teams, although he had very interesting options in Italy and England.

Similarly, Barça, despite the need to raise funds, does not contemplate the departure of the '4' for a fundamental reason. Hansi Flick is counting on the 26-year-old defender 100%, beyond the doubts generated by his performance in the second part of the 24/25 season. The player from Rivera missed the entire first half of the season due to injury and, after his return, it took longer than expected to perform at his best again.

Ronald Araujo could move ahead of Iñigo Martínez at the start of 25/26

However, Araujo has left his physical problems behind and, during the preseason, he is making the most of every training session and summer friendly to try to regain his starting position. Ronald was a substitute against Vissel Kobe, but entered the starting XI against FC Seoul due to some muscle discomfort of Iñigo Martínez.

The Basque player will again be out against Daegu, and the Uruguayan can take advantage to settle back into Flick's lineup. The captain closed the previous season with 1,560 minutes of action spread over 25 games (17 as a starter) in which he added a couple of goals and assists.

Although he received harsh criticism for his performance in the 'semi' second leg of the Champions League against Inter Milan, the coaching staff has reaffirmed their confidence in him. True to his custom, Flick will keep those who demonstrate the best footballing and physical level on a daily basis as starters. The Cubarsí-Iñigo duo starts as starters, but none are untouchable.

Hansi Flick is clear: Ronald Araujo is not for sale

In the press conference prior to the friendly against FC Seoul, the coach was asked about the possible departure of Ronald Araujo. The coach did not hesitate to close the door on the 'charrúa' and express his satisfaction with the rest of the squad for the 25/26 season.

"Why should he leave? There are many rumors about many names, also about Araujo, but I have no news. I have a great team, with a lot of quality. We have all positions doubled and in some we even have three players. It is not easy to manage, of course, but I am very happy," the German pointed out.

Thus, Ronald will start the season as the third center-back for Barça and second captain, behind Frenkie de Jong. The Dutchman must renew in the coming days and, pending what happens with Marc-André ter Stegen, he will be the first blaugrana captain.