Barcelona and Ronald Araujo extended their relationship for another three years after 2023.
Barcelona and the Uruguay international have been in talks for months about renewing the defender’s contract.
Araujo, whose contract was due to expire in 2023, was now one of Barcelona’s hottest players, who was receiving offers from all over Europe, especially the Premier League.
The 23-year-old defender is understood to be one of seven untouchable players in the squad according to president Joan Laporta. The others are Pablo Gavira Jaffe, Pedri Gonzalez, Nico Gonzalez, Ansumani Fati, Eric Garcia and Ferran Torres.
Barcelona rewarded his importance to the team with a new three-year contract and an annual salary of 4 million euros. The release clause on his contract was set at €1 billion, the same as the other item on Laporta’s untouchable list.
This new deal will see Araujo stay at the club until he turns 27. The club said in a statement announcing the agreement: “FC Barcelona and the player Ronald Araujo have reached an agreement to renew his contract until June 30, 2026. The stipulated acquisition clause is one billion euros.
The new contract will be signed on Friday 29 April at 1.30pm CEST at the Camp Nou.
The defender is La Masia’s 179th talent who has appeared for Barcelona’s first team. This season, he’s played 39 games, which would have been more had it not been for the injuries along the way. He brought the total number of those matches he has participated in to 78 with the club since his first appearance with the team in 2019.
Araujo has scored four goals from Barcelona’s central defense this season and also poses a constant threat in the air any time Barcelona has a chance.
The Uruguayan spoke to the club’s media after the announcement. Relive his memories of his arrival at Barcelona in 2018, his first appearance in 2019, his time in the first team and how fans and club staff made him feel at home.
“It is a great deal of happiness to be staying here, to be able to renew with Barcelona. He told Barcelona TV.
“Thank God for this possibility. I thank my family, the club, my colleagues who have always made it easy for me; as well as the technicians who have helped me since my arrival.
“When I arrived at Barcelona B it was great, everything seemed so great. Today I played more than 75 games and it is very satisfying.
“It’s such a happiness that people shout ‘Uruguay’. I remember when I first went to the Camp Nou, they shouted at Luis Suarez and I hoped they would yell at me one day.
“The fans have always supported me from the start and make me feel so much happier, helped me do my job well and I can always feel their support behind me. I hope many more titles come to make all these fans happy.
“When I arrived at Barcelona B, I tried to get involved in a team that was already assembled and had been together for a long time. Joining this group was difficult, but my way of being, I got involved.
“When I got to the first team, I tried to be myself and not change anything. This is very important because people respect you and know that they can count on you in any situation on or off the field. It is important for me to be myself to help my teammates.
“The fact that I’m screaming means I’m helping, and that helps me feel focused in the match and helps the team. They tell me they feel good when I help them by screaming in good faith.
“I feel good and are loved by the group, the people and the club. I am very happy.”
