According to a source, manager Igor Tudor approved the transfer, meaning Juventus is prepared to make a run for Barcelona star Ronald Araujo. Since he is no longer a sure starter for Barcelona, Araujo’s future has been in doubt throughout the season. Due to fierce competition for spots and a hamstring injury, the center defender was only able to make 25 appearances across all competitions last season.
Although Araujo is a member of Barca’s captaincy group, manager Hansi Flick appears to favor Inigo Martinez and Pau Cubarsi in center defense. During the winter transfer window, Araujo was on the verge of joining Juventus.
According to Italian reports, the Italian powerhouses had reached a personal agreement with Araujo and were negotiating a possible €50 million (£43 million or $59 million) deal with Barca.
But Deco, Barca’s sporting director, persuaded the defender to stay and sign a new deal; thus, the trade fell through. The new contract with Araujo has a €1 billion (£852 million/$1.2 billion) release clause and expires in June 2031. Though they are willing to negotiate more affordable transfer fees if they must sell, Barcelona does this with many of their players.
Juventus rekindle interest in Barcelona star
Juve has reportedly rekindled their pursuit of Araujo, according to Catalan publication Sport. The Uruguayan international was reportedly in the Bianconeri’s prime to sign at the moment, according to multiple sources. All leave negotiations were put on hold, though, when Barcelona director Deco persuaded the 26-year-old to sign a new contract.
But after that, Araujo didn’t find much happiness because he only made 12 appearances in La Liga and fought for playing time in the rest of the season. Juventus has reportedly renewed their interest in the Uruguayan international, according to a report from the Catalan publication Sport.
Juve will instead make a €25–30 million opening bid to test the waters. The report highlights the Blaugrana’s pressing need to offload players in order to register their new acquisitions and create room for Nico Williams’ intended arrival, even though they are unlikely to be convinced by this offer.
The Catalans’ current difficulties with La Liga’s Financial Fair Play regulations are widely known, and Juventus intends to capitalize on this by signing Araujo for comparatively modest prices.
