Update On The Future Of This Barcelona Defender: What Should Barca Do? | OneFootball

In a recent edition of the Daily Briefing, renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano offered an update on the future of Barcelona defender Jules Kounde. Romano said,

“There’s no updates or developments on Ronald Araujo’s future yet. Barcelona are fully focused on the pitch now, but then they will discuss many contracts including Araujo, Pedri, Cubarsi and more. Many clubs appreciate Araujo but Barca will offer him a new deal, that’s been the expectation at the club for a long time.”

Araujo’s Impressive Form At Barcelona This Season

Araujo is enjoying his football at the Nou Camp right now as he has managed to put in a handful of solid performances at the centre of Xavi’s defence. The French talent has played in 32 matches for Barca this season, finding the back of the net once in multiple competitions.

The 25-year-old has been a decent performer when defending inside his half and deserves credit for averaging 1.1 tackles, 0.4 interceptions and 2.6 clearances per game in La Liga. He has also been careful when distributing the ball from the back after completing 89.1% of his attempted passes in the Spanish top tier (stats via whoscored).

Paris Saint-Germain’s French forward #29 Bradley Barcola (L) and Barcelona’s Uruguayan defender #04 Ronald Araujo (R) fight for the ball during the UEFA Champions League quarter final first leg football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and FC Barcelona at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on April 10, 2024. (Photo by Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP)

What Should Barcelona Do With Regards To Araujo?

Araujo loves a tackle and can make some timely interceptions for his side when he is playing with confidence on the field. He doesn’t mind clearing the danger when needed and excels at playing his way out from the back. The French sensation can even use his robust 1.92m frame to dominate the opposition attackers in the air.

Araujo’s current deal at Barcelona will expire in the summer of 2026. Thus, the Catalan club has no immediate need to cash in on him in the upcoming summer transfer window. Barca would be wise to offer him a new deal so that they can keep him at the Nou Camp for the long run.

At 25, Araujo has got his best years ahead of him and could help the Catalan giants compete for some major trophies in the coming years. Therefore, Barcelona should go all out to retain his services beyond the end of this campaign.