Ronald Araujo is solidifying his reputation as one of the world’s top defenders, using Barcelona’s recent matches to demonstrate his irreplaceable role in the team.
After a disappointing end to last season and facing heavy criticism, Araujo has reasserted his worth, particularly with his stellar performance in the Clasico against Real Madrid, where he successfully contained both Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Junior, preventing them from influencing the game.
Araujo’s excellent form continued in the match against Real Betis, where his physical dominance was a highlight. This prompted Barcelona president Joan Laporta and football director Deco to halt talks about his potential January departure, which had almost reached a conclusion. Juventus had reportedly made Araujo a top target, even offering over 50 million euros for him.
However, with his recent performances, Barcelona is now more committed to Araujo, and coach Hansi Flick is keen to keep him, especially given the significant sum Juventus offered. Negotiations for a contract extension have already begun, as his current deal runs until 2026.
Meanwhile, Inigo Martinez’s future at Barcelona has become uncertain. With his contract expiring in June and no talks of renewal, his future with the club is in doubt. Should Araujo continue his strong form, Martinez will likely have to either accept a backup role or depart at the end of the season. Additionally, Martinez is set to be sidelined for five to six weeks, and when he returns, regaining a starting spot will be challenging given the current high level of the team’s defense.
