Barcelona open to selling defensive stalwart if strong bid arrives | OneFootball

According to journalist Achraf Ben Ayad, Ronald Araujo’s future at Barcelona is far from guaranteed.

He mentions that the Uruguayan centre-back, considered one of the club’s most valuable assets, may be sacrificed this summer if the right offer arrives.

Barcelona’s financial difficulties are well documented, and with the club needing to generate around €50 million before making new signings, Araujo represents a tempting option for an essential cash injection.

Although the club and player publicly continue to show mutual commitment, the details behind the scenes paint a different picture.

A clause in Araujo’s contract, coming into effect on July 1, will lower his €1 billion release clause to just €65 million for a ten-day period.

That limited-time opportunity creates a potential storm of interest from top European clubs looking to pounce on a defender of his calibre at what would be considered a bargain in today’s market.

It is no accident

Ronald Araujo could leave Barcelona. (Photo by Christian Alvarenga/Getty Images)

The drop in the buyout clause was likely not inserted by accident. It reflects a clear strategy by either the player’s camp, the club, or both to leave the door open for a possible departure without causing public tension.

If Barcelona were fully determined to keep Araujo, such a clause simply would not exist in the first place.

And from Araujo’s side, if he were 100% committed to continuing, he could have negotiated differently.

Defense will be trimmed

With Barcelona already overloaded at centre-back, the club may see this as the right moment to part with one of its stars for the greater financial good.

Hansi Flick already has options like Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen, and Inigo Martinez in the squad. That makes Araujo a luxury Barcelona might not be able to afford, especially given his strong market value.

The next few weeks, especially between July 1–10, will be decisive. Multiple clubs are expected to circle, and while Araujo will have no shortage of suitors, Barcelona’s willingness to listen suggests that everything is on the table.