Surprise in the market: Araujo, the new target of Atlético de Madrid

Published New:14/07/2025 - 01:45h

Updated New:14/07/2025 - 02:04h

Atlético de Madrid, considering Barça's need to raise funds in the summer market, could present an offer for Ronald Araujo in the coming weeks

As the days go by, the name of Ronald Araujo continues to generate noise in the offices of FC Barcelona. The Uruguayan center-back, who until the 2023/24 season was among the 'untouchables', now seems to be a possible target for Atlético de Madrid.

From the Metropolitano stadium in the Spanish capital, they point to the Uruguayan defender as a player longed for by Diego Pablo Simeone. The 'Cholo', taking into account that he will no longer have Reinildo Mondava and Axel Witsel for the next season, would be pushing for the 'Colchoneros' board to move for the '4' of the 'Culés'.

Also, according to the latest information, Atlético considers that the circumstances could lead to a negotiation under more accessible conditions than usual for a player of that caliber.

Araujo counts for Flick, but his future is open

And the arrival of Flick to the bench of the Blaugrana team caused a 180-degree turn for Ronald. The player went from being an immovable center-back with Xavi Hernández to losing his starting position to Íñigo Martínez.

However, the defender would now like to remain linked to Barça, with the idea of showing the German coach that he has enough potential to secure a place in the center-back position.

In addition to this, the '4' is only 26 years old and recently renewed his contract until 2031. Furthermore, Araujo would only consider an exit if the sports management of the Blaugrana entity asks him to.

The future of the native of Rivera has already been in question on other occasions, and he was even close to changing teams. This happened in January when Juventus of Turin launched into the winter market for him, but his desire to continue at Camp Barca prevailed and he extended his link as a 'Culé'.

On that occasion, the 'Vecchia signora' offered Barcelona a figure close to 30-35 'kilos', but the offers ended up being rejected by the Catalan team, which was not willing to accept less than €70M.

However, 'Juve' would still be interested in the center-back. Also, Manchester United and Bayern Munich have also sounded out the player.

Barça needs to sell, and Atlético makes a move for Araujo!

Now, the context is very different: Barcelona needs to continue raising funds not only to reduce the wage bill, but also to get closer to the 1:1 rule and face future incorporations. In addition, both Araujo and Andreas Christensen would be on the list of players in the defensive zone who would have to leave. However, it would only be one.

Faced with this scenario, Atlético has already conveyed its intentions to put the 'Rojiblanca' shirt on the '4', as Simeone would like to have players who, in addition to offering good physique, also provide hierarchy.

In this sense, 'Atleti' would be thinking of presenting an offer of 40 million euros to Barça for Araujo, a scenario that could cause a setback in the Blaugrana offices, as it would be a difficult offer to reject.

According to what was agreed in his contract, the release price that Barcelona manages for the '4' would be 65 million during the first two weeks of this summer market. By January, its value will rise to €80M and by the summer of 2026 it will reach €90M.

However, at this point anything can happen. Do you think Barcelona could accept the possible offer of 40 'kilos' for Ronald will close the exit door to the 'charrúa'?