Barcelona establish first contact with key defender over contract renewal

Journalist Roger Torello has reported via Mundo Deportivo that Barcelona are eager to extend Ronald Araujo’s contract and have already initiated discussions with him and his agent. 

Both the club and the player share a strong desire to maintain their partnership, however, Bayern Munich are also interested in signing him and are prepared to make a significant effort to secure his transfer.

It must be noted that Araujo’s current contract with Barcelona runs until 2026 and despite having a little more than two years left, Barcelona are eager to resolve his extension at least before the end of the season.

At this moment, Barcelona have entirely ruled out his exit, but if circumstances change towards the end of the season, the journalist writes that he would not leave Barcelona for less than €80 million.

Barcelona want Araujo to continue

Amidst the fact that Bayern Munich are ready to make a substantial offer for the Uruguayan, we reported a few weeks ago that Barcelona extended a contract renewal offer to Araujo in a meeting with the player’s representatives, facilitated by Deco.

Ronald Araujo has a contract with Barcelona until 2026. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

During the meeting, the club expressed their intention to invest in the player by offering a significant contract extension that could run until 2029. 

However, Araujo has not yet responded to the proposal. Regardless of what panned out, there is confidence that an agreement will be reached between the two parties for the renewal.

Despite facing financial difficulties, Barcelona are prioritizing Araujo’s renewal and unlike last time, they are ready to give him a significant appraisal.

As for the player, it is not just about the financial aspect; he wants to honour the club’s commitment as well and given this ongoing issue, it makes more sense to resolve it rather than focus on bringing in new players.