‘One of the world’s best’ – Saudi chief confirms he would sign Barcelona star ‘without hesitation’ | OneFootball

Former Barcelona sporting director Ramón Planes has this weekend admitted that he would sanction a move for a current member of the Blaugrana’s backline without a 2nd thought.

The player in question? Ronald Araújo.

Stopper Araújo is of course for his part in the midst of something of a tumultuous summer to date.

After a difficult campaign in 2024/25, the Uruguayan has been heavily linked with a Barcelona exit, a move which many supporters have made clear they would fully support.

Araújo has slipped behind Pau Cubarsí and Iñigo Martínez in the central defensive pecking order in Hansi Flick’s squad, making for a difficult situation for a player once considered one of the first names on the team sheet in Catalunya’s capital.

As alluded to above, though, one individual of the opinion that Araújo’s quality is not up for debate is the aforementioned Ramón Planes.

Speaking during an exchange with the media this weekend, Planes, who currently acts as sporting director at Saudi outfit Al-Ittihad, admitted:

“If I had the chance, I would sign Araújo without hesitation. He is one of the best defenders in the world.”

Conor Laird – GSFN