As FC Barcelona prepares for its summer overhaul, one defender’s future at Camp Nou is now in question, as European giants are showing interest.
The center-back was once seen as untouchable, but this season has seen him less of a starting defender – a significant downgrade even wearing the captain’s armband – and considering the club’s impending financial obligations, the Blaugrana may ultimately be forced to sell the 25-year-old if other transfers are to be funded.
According to Fichajes, three European giants – Bayern Munich, Juventus, and Chelsea – are registering legitimate interest.
What adds a level of urgency to this is that, due to a special condition in the player’s contract, the player’s €100m release clause became €65m for 15 days in July, leaving a window for any interested parties to make their move.
The player is Ronald Araujo, his career may be at a crossroads after only 14 starts thus far this season.
The defensive stalwart signed a contract accordingly until the year 2031, but has lost the starting position to younger alternatives.
Although Araujo is technically valued at €50m on the transfer market, his temporary €65m release clause is a comparatively cheap transfer for elite clubs.
Barcelona’s financial fair play restrictions mean they may be able to use a transfer for a captain’s sale from the club should an offer come in the critical time window in mid-summer.
For Araujo, the next few weeks will be critical – whether he stays a linchpin of Barcelona’s future, or he joins a class of players that have left Catalonia.
With preseason around the corner, there are decisions for both the player and club that affect the two parties going into next seasons campaign.
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