Ronald Araújo has solidified his commitment to Barcelona by signing a new contract that extends until 2031, putting an end to speculation about his future at the Catalan club. The 25-year-old defender, whose previous contract was set to expire in 2026, had attracted interest from several clubs, including Italian giants Juventus.
The contract extension came after a crucial meeting with Barcelona's sporting director Deco, which proved instrumental in convincing the Uruguayan international to remain with the club. The official signing ceremony took place at the club's offices, with Araújo putting pen to paper alongside key figures including Deco, president Joan Laporta, and vice president Rafa Yuste.
Araújo's journey at Barcelona began in 2018 when he joined from the modest Uruguayan club Boston River. After gaining experience with the reserve team, he has since become an integral part of the first team, amassing over 150 appearances and playing a crucial role in Barcelona's LaLiga triumph during the 2022-23 season.
The defender recently returned to action after recovering from a hamstring injury that kept him sidelined for the first half of the current season. During his absence, the defensive partnership of Pau Cubarsí and Iñigo Martínez emerged as the preferred center-back pairing. However, an injury to Martínez created an opening for Araújo's return, and he has since started four of Barcelona's last six matches, reasserting his importance to the team.
This long-term contract extension not only secures Barcelona's defensive future but also demonstrates the club's confidence in Araújo's abilities and his significance to their long-term sporting project.
