Mueez Ajao
– Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo has agreed a new contract until 2026 with his release clause rising to €1 billion ($1.16bn), the club have announced.
– Araujo’s previous deal was due to expire in 2023 and last month that both Manchester United and Liverpool were keen on signing the Uruguay international.
– The money on the table from the Premier League sides was higher than Barca’s offer, but the player’s priority was always to remain at Camp Nou.
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– Araujo, 23, has been on the same terms at Barca since 2018, when he first joined the club’s B team from Boston River in his homeland in a deal worth an initial €2 million.
– That made him one of the lowest-paid players in the first team going into the current campaign, with his agents keen for his salary to rise according to his new status at the club.
– Under coach Xavi Hernandez he has emerged as a key player this season, making 39 appearances in all competitions and scoring four goals, including one in the 4-0 Clasico win over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.
– With Barca having to adhere to LaLiga’s strict financial rules due to their financial problems, they have played hardball during negotiations with Araujo’s camp.
– However, earlier this month there had finally been a breakthrough in talks, with Barca upping their initial offer and Araujo willing to meet the club in the middle despite the offers from English clubs.
– In addition to securing Araujo on a long-term deal, Barca have an agreement in place to sign Andreas Christensen on a free transfer in the summer when his contract with Chelsea expires.
– Araujo and Christensen will compete with Gerard Pique and Eric Garcia for a place in the middle of Barca’s defence next season, with the club open to offers for Clement Lenglet, Oscar Mingueza and Samuel Umtiti.
𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐔𝐉𝐎 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 pic.twitter.com/gEtIiInDac
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 26, 2022
