Barcelona may find it difficult to agree on a contract renewal with emerging defensive star Ronald Araujo, at least partly because of interest in the 22-year-old from Premier League clubs.
Araujo joined Barcelona B from Uruguayan club Boston River in 2018 and made the permanent step up to the first team in difficult circumstances last season. He has remained an important player when fit, although his ability and potential seemingly haven’t gone unnoticed.
Ronald Araujo only has a contract until the end of next season, which puts Barcelona in a slightly awkward position and ensures that arranging a renewal carries a degree of urgency.
According to the ESPN reports that while tying prodigious teenagers Ansu Fati and Pedri to new contracts recently was straightforward, it could be more difficult with Araujo.
It is said Barcelona wants to offer a new five-year deal, but the club has learned from early talks so far that the player’s salary demands are higher than they expected. That could become a problem when Barça’s finances are in a delicate state and Premier League sides can offer more.
Chelsea could also be on the lookout for center-backs in the summer, with Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen, Thiago Silva, and Cesar Azpilicueta all out of the contract in June.
Leave a comment