Barcelona's defensive stalwart Ronald Araújo has committed his future to the club following crucial talks with sporting director Deco on Tuesday, sources confirmed to ESPN.
The Uruguayan center-back, whose current contract runs until 2026, had been contemplating his future at Camp Nou amid interest from Italian giants Juventus. The uncertainty surrounding his situation was publicly addressed during Barcelona's recent 5-2 victory over Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup, where teammate Robert Lewandowski was caught on camera urging Araújo to "must stay" during the celebrations.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta had confirmed the club's efforts to retain Araújo, and those efforts have now proved successful. Sources indicate that while various factors had led the Uruguay international to consider departing, his preference had always been to remain with the Catalan club.
The negotiations had faced several hurdles, including slower-than-expected progress on a new contract, with Araújo's representatives holding firm on terms previously promised by former sporting director Mateu Alemany. Adding to the complexity was Araújo's hamstring injury sustained during last summer's Copa America, which sidelined him for the first half of the season and saw him lose his starting position to Pau Cubarsí and Iñigo Martínez.
Further complications arose from Barcelona's reported interest in Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah, who becomes a free agent this summer. However, a recent injury to Martínez, ruling him out for four weeks, has created an opportunity for Araújo to reclaim his position in Hansi Flick's squad.
The 24-year-old defender, who joined Barcelona from Uruguayan side Boston River in 2018, has established himself as a key figure at the club, amassing over 150 appearances and playing a crucial role in Barcelona's LaLiga triumph in the 2022-23 season. The club's next priority will be extending his contract to prevent any possibility of losing him on a free transfer as he enters the final 18 months of his current deal.
