Barcelona believe sale of centre-back with €100m asking price will finance an important signing

According to a report from SPORT, Barcelona have slapped a hefty price tag of €100 million on Ronald Araujo’s potential transfer. 

The club hopes this sum will provide the financial leeway needed to secure a new player, particularly eyeing a pivot or a striker.

It is to be noted that Barcelona have an abundance of centre-back options lined up for the next season including Eric Garcia, Jules Kounde, Mikayil Faye, Andreas Christensen, Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, and Inigo Martinez. 

Now, Xavi has already communicated to Garcia about his return and assured Martinez of his stay. The status of Cubarsi remains unchallenged, yet there are surplus players in the mix.

Araujo can solve Barcelona’s problems

Among the number of defenders Barcelona have, Araujo stands out as the most probable departure candidate. 

Having been groomed in the club’s academy, Araujo’s transfer would yield a net profit for Barcelona, especially considering his impending contract upgrade.

Ronald Araujo is likely to be sold by Barcelona. (Photo by JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images)

While Barcelona are yet to initiate any formal negotiations, they anticipate incoming offers in the near future. The club is holding out for a substantial sum, around €100 million, with Bayern Munich emerging as the frontrunner in the race for his signature.

Araujo has other suitors too

Other contenders, including Manchester United, are also expected to join the fray given their perennial quest for reinforcements and financial muscle.

The clock is ticking as Bayern could swoop in with an enticing salary package for Araujo, setting the stage for his departure from Barcelona by the season’s end. 

This, Barcelona believe, will inject much-needed liquidity into the club, facilitating the acquisition of a player, be it a centre-back or a forward, both identified as priorities by Xavi to bolster the team.

It is said that Araujo’s representatives are scheduled to meet with Deco to navigate the evolving situation. Having been promised a revised contract earlier, Araujo and the club now seem inclined towards a mutually beneficial sale.

Barring any unforeseen twists, the path seems paved for Araujo’s departure. Should this materialize, players like Christensen, Kounde, or Faye may follow suit, potentially generating similar revenue streams for Barcelona through their sales.