Ronald Araujo continues to establish himself as one of the best defenders in the world, using Barcelona’s recent matches to confirm his status as an indispensable part of the team.
Despite finishing last season below expectations and facing significant scrutiny, Araujo has managed to reaffirm his value, particularly following his impressive performance in the Clasico against Real Madrid. He successfully neutralized Kylian Mbappé and, most notably, Vinicius Junior, who was unable to influence the match.
Araujo’s standout performances didn’t stop there. He continued to impress against Real Betis, where he was one of the standout players, showcasing his remarkable physical strength. This stellar display led to Barcelona president Joan Laporta and football director Deco halting discussions regarding his potential departure in January, which had previously reached an advanced stage. Reports had even suggested a near-agreement with Juventus, who had made signing the Uruguayan a priority, offering over 50 million euros to secure his services.
However, given the change in circumstances, Barcelona have become more committed to Araujo, and coach Hansi Flick is determined not to lose one of the team’s key leaders midway through the season, especially for such a significant amount. Talks have already begun regarding a contract extension, with his current deal set to expire in 2026.
On the other hand, according to “El Nacional”, the future of Inigo Martinez at Barcelona is now uncertain. With his contract expiring on June 30th, and no renewal discussions taking place yet, his position at the club remains unclear. If Araujo continues his strong performances, Martinez will face two options: accept a secondary role or leave the club at the end of the season.
Moreover, Martinez is set to be sidelined for five to six weeks, and when he returns, it will be difficult for him to reclaim his starting position given the high level of performance shown by the other defenders.