Soccer

    Barcelona's Ronald Araujo on the brink of exit amid financial struggles

    Planet Sport writerStaff Writer16 May 2024
    ronald-araujo-16-apr-202416

    ronald-araujo-16-apr-202416

    FC Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo is reportedly on the verge of being sold this summer as the club grapples with severe financial woes.

    The Uruguayan centre-back, once seen as a cornerstone for the future, now appears to be a prime candidate for departure.

    Sources from Barca Reservat indicate that Araujo's disenchantment began following the club's reaction to his error against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals. Barcelona ended up crashing out of the tournament 6-4 on aggregate. 

    Despite public reassurances from President Joan Laporta about renewing Araujo's contract, no satisfactory offer has materialized.

    "Araujo has felt undervalued," reports suggest, highlighting the lack of tangible support from the club. 

    Although he signed a reduced contract in 2022 with promises of an improved deal soon after, Barcelona's current financial limitations have stalled any significant renegotiations. 

    This has left Araujo feeling edged out, especially as lucrative offers from other clubs loom.

    Interest in Araujo is high. Bayern Munich engaged in discussions with him in January, although contact has since ceased. More pressing, perhaps, is Manchester United's reported readiness to swoop in should Araujo indicate his willingness to leave Barcelona.

    The club's financial predicament makes Araujo's sale a logical yet bittersweet decision. Comparatively, fellow youngster Pedri's market value has declined, highlighting the contrasting fortunes within the squad.

    Barcelona's need to balance their books could mean losing a promising talent like Araujo, a move that underscores the harsh realities facing the club in these challenging financial times.

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