Barcelona sporting director Deco recently hinted that the club must offload at least one defender this summer, and the latest Ronald Araujo transfer news suggests the Blaugrana captain could fall into that category.
Is Ronald Araujo Leaving Barcelona?
One of the summers’ ‘will he or won’t he stories’ continues to do the rounds, with Ronald Araujo’s future at Barcelona still undecided.
Once heralded as the man to lead Barcelona into a new generation, now finds his status at the club being questioned.
The hugely impressive Pau Cubarsi has struck up an iron clad partnership at the heart of defense alongside the experienced Inigo Martinez, while even the likes of Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen have been preferred to Araujo at times.
Barcelona sporting director, Deco, recently declared the Blaugrana have “five centre-backs, and one needs to leave”. AC Milan are monitoring Andreas Christensen with the Danish international widely expected to make way, but he may not be the only central defender to depart.
Although Barca captain Ronald Araujo has received the public backing from higher-ups, the arrival of an important bid could force the Spanish champions to the table.
Their well-documented struggle with LaLiga to comply with financial regulations means they are constantly in a position of being open to sell. Araujo, who turned 26 in May, would likely command a fee that could turn their heads.
With Christensen leaving on a free, Araujo’s transfer fee could appease some of the club’s financial tension.
🚨🔵🔴 Barça director Deco closes doors to Ronald Araujo exit: “One centre back will leave but Ronald is not in our plans to leave, and he received unfair criticism last year”.
“He’s one of the best defenders in the world”, told @LaVanguardia. pic.twitter.com/lqriDRsNA0
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 22, 2025
Ronald Araujo to Juventus Rumours Persist
Juventus have held long-standing interest in Araujo, well before his position at Barcelona started to become unclear.
The Old Lady even came close to an agreement with the Uruguayan in the January window, before Araujo’s surprise U-turn which saw him renew his contract until 2031, along with a mammoth $1 billion release clause.
However, it is interesting to note that the clause will fall significantly to just $70 million, during the first ten days of July.
It is widely expected that Juventus, along with fellow admirers Bayern Munich, will test Barcelona’s resolve in that window. Both clubs have been biding their time, and have made contact with the Catalans over their intention to bid at the beginning of July.
According to reports, Juve hope to negotiate a deal well below his temporary release clause, with a $35 million bid being touted.
No verification betting sites favor a move to Juventus, although staying at Barcelona is not ruled out.
