Flick Confirms Araujo Remains in Barcelona’s Plans Despite Challenging Season

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has publicly backed Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo to remain at the club next season despite his difficult campaign marred by injuries and limited playing time. Despite this, Araujo is the pilar of the defense when playing for Barça.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has confirmed that Ronald Araujo remains firmly in his plans for the upcoming season. The German coach expressed full confidence in the Uruguayan center-back during his latest press conference, addressing speculation about the defender’s future. “I’m counting on Ronald Araujo for next season. He has a contract, so why not?” Flick stated, putting to rest rumors of a potential summer departure for the 26-year-old defender who signed a contract extension with Barcelona until 2031 earlier this year.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Araujo has endured a challenging 2024-25 campaign at Barcelona. The Uruguayan international has been limited to just one La Liga appearance this season due to persistent hamstring issues. His struggles have been compounded by the emergence of young defender Pau Cubarsí and the consistent performances of Íñigo Martínez, who have formed a solid partnership in Barcelona’s defensive line. Despite these setbacks, the club demonstrated their faith in Araujo by extending his contract until 2031 in January, ending speculation about a potential move to Juventus after the Italian giants had tabled a bid for his services.

ARAUJO’S BARCELONA JOURNEY

Since joining Barcelona from Uruguayan club Boston River in 2018, Araujo has made 154 appearances for the Catalan giants. His time at Camp Nou has seen him develop into a key defensive figure, winning both La Liga and Copa del Rey titles. Known for his winning mentality and supreme defensive skills, Araujo was promoted to second captain this season, highlighting his importance to the squad despite his limited playing time. The 26-year-old’s new contract reportedly includes a €65 million release clause, significantly lower than the previous €1 billion figure, though Barcelona has not officially confirmed this detail in line with their new policy of not publicly revealing release clauses.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Barcelona currently sit second in La Liga, trailing leaders Real Madrid by six points with just two games remaining in the season. The Catalan club will be looking to finish their campaign strongly before turning attention to summer preparations. For Araujo, the focus will be on regaining full fitness and reclaiming his place in the starting lineup next season under Flick’s guidance. With his long-term future secured at the club until 2031, the Uruguayan defender will be determined to put his injury troubles behind him and return to the form that established him as one of Barcelona’s defensive pillars.