Barcelona superstar not ruling out exit with renewal talks stalled and registration uncertain

Barcelona are treading dangerous waters with regard to the future of one of their most important players – Ronald Araujo.

The 25-year-old defender, currently sidelined with an injury, has been a constant feature in the rumour mill this summer, with Manchester United and Bayern Munich taking a keen interest.

However, the thigh injury he suffered while on international duty, which has ruled him out for four months, seemed to have put an end to the talks of a departure.

Araujo not ruling out exit

However, now, SPORT has come forward with a bombshell update, stating that Araujo is not ruling out an exit from Barcelona due to multiple factors.

The first main reason behind the Uruguayan international reconsidering his future is said to be the club’s stance on his registration for the new season.

Considering that Araujo is likely to be out for four months, Barcelona have allegedly decided not to register him with La Liga until January and instead use that salary space to register other players.

Araujo unhappy? (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

This is understood to have upset Araujo, who is working hard on his recovery and believes that he can return sooner from his injury. In such a scenario, if Barça do not register him, the defender will be unable to play until January – something that does not sit right with him.

Contract talks at a halt

Another factor behind Araujo not ruling out a departure from Barcelona, as early as this summer itself, is his contractual situation.

The defender’s current deal expires in 2026 and the club sent him a renewal proposal in January itself. However, his camp has not responded to the offer as they believe it is not satisfactory financially.

As such, contract talks are currently at a standstill and before the player’s injury, Barcelona director Deco was in favour of selling him if a renewal was not agreed.

Araujo is also said to be upset with the Catalans for the lack of support he received in the face of the criticism he drew following the Champions League exit against PSG last season.

As mentioned earlier, both Bayern Munich and Manchester United had shown an interest in signing Araujo. And while it was assumed that the injury would have closed the chapter for now, it appears that the scenario is still very much open.