Barcelona meets with Ronald Araujo about new contract

Barcelona are closer to securing a new contract with star defender Ronald Araujo after a meeting took place on Friday afternoon between sporting director Deco and the Uruguayan’s agents. Araujo looked set to leave this week, but talks with Deco appear to have persuaded him to stay until at least the summer.

Significant progress has been made towards a new deal, says Sport, which claims the renewal could be closed next week. Despite a possible offer from Juventus of 70 million euros, their information is that Araujo will be at Barcelona for the foreseeable. This information is supported by Relevo, who states that the agreement has been agreed verbally, and will be put in writing next week, citing Hansi Flick and Araujo’s teammates who are key to convincing him to stay.

Breaking news: Juventus has not given up on Ronald Araújo. They are preparing an offer worth 70 million euros. The soap opera is not over yet. Through @Jordigil

— Barcacentre (@barcacentre) January 17, 2025

This is contradicted by Marca, who says that while negotiations on a new agreement have moved forward, they by no means have and there is still much to negotiate. One of the key questions is how long your contract will renew and whether it will have a termination clause.

Supposedly one of the changes that got Araujo here was Deco’s promise of a reduced buyout clause. This would allow him an exit route in case he felt the desire to leave the club again. The Uruguayan wants to reach an agreement on par with the other Barcelona stars and a key role, which could have an impact on Jonathan Tah’s future.