Ronald Araújo is close to returning after his injury. The Uruguayan center-back and Barça captain is clear about his future after months of multiple rumors that he was leaving. Speaking to Barça One, the Uruguayan player has virtually declared his eternal love for the Catalonian club.
"These five years have been very nice. The truth is that it's a dream to be at this club and to have been here for five years now. I hope there are many more to come," said Ronald Araújo.
These words from Ronald Araújo, after so many rumors, give Barça the assurance that he will renew his contract, with a termination date in 2026. This means that the transfer that Hansi Flick desired so much, as soon as his new contract is closed, will fall through and will be considered ruled out.
Jonathan Tah will not play for Barça
With Ronald Araújo renewing his contract with Barça, the transfer of Jonathan Tah, even at zero cost, is considered to be totally unnecessary. The defensive line is well covered and the German player wouldn't have a guaranteed place, cutting off the progression of other players who are considered important.
Hansi Flick's request has always been very clear: if Ronald Araújo ended up leaving, he wanted his compatriot Tah instead. However, since it is clear that the Uruguayan defender will renew his contract, this case can be considered closed.That is how President Laporta sees it.
Ronald Araújo: New Contract
Despite this public declaration of love for Barça, Ronald Araújo is still awaiting a reply to the renewal proposal he has on the table.
Madrid-Barcelona has learned that the Blaugrana team, with Laporta in charge, has offered to renew his contract until 2029, achieving a slight increase in his salary.
Ronald Araújo's response is taking a while, but Barça is confident that an agreement can be reached. He is one of the captains, the dressing room respects him and he is very popular with the fans.
What is clear at Barça, whether or not the possible transfer of Jonathan Tah is finalized, is that Ronald Araújo has to reply officially soon. The plan is that he should stay, but if he ends up leaving, it will always mean sending money to the coffers and never as a free-contract player.