Barcelona captain could consider exit if role continues to shrink – report | OneFootball

Barcelona’s pre-season preparations are well and truly underway, but Ronald Araujo’s future is once again becoming a talking point.

According to a report from La Vanguardia, the defender could ask to leave if he feels sidelined in Hansi Flick’s plans.

While no decision has been made, both Araujo’s camp and Barça are not ruling out a possible departure if he ends up behind his competition, namely, Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez in the pecking order.

It is to be noted that although Araujo signed a contract renewal until 2031 with a massive €1 billion release clause, there was a key condition hidden in the fine print.

For the first 15 days of the 2025 summer transfer window, the defender’s release clause temporarily dropped to €65 million. This opened the door for potential suitors if Araujo decides his time at Barça has run its course.

However, that stipulation has now expired.

Flick’s decisions will decided Araujo’s future

Ronald Araujo’s future is once again in the spotlight. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Last season, Araujo returned to action only in November, and this season, he is determined to make the most of a full pre-season. He is eager to prove his value under Flick and aims to secure a starting role.

Barcelona, on their part, see his profile as quite different from Andreas Christensen and value his physical presence and leadership at the back.

However, sources close to both the club and the player admit that the situation could change quickly.

If Araujo finds himself regularly benched in favour of Cubarsi or Martinez, he won’t hesitate to push for an exit. The club, in turn, would be open to negotiations should such a request arrive.

For now, Araujo is fully focused on earning his place in the team. But with the transfer window and La Liga kicking off around the same time, any early signs of being sidelined could trigger big decisions for both the player and the club.