Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo has penned a new contract at the Camp Nou, which will keep him in Catalonia until 2026 the club have confirmed.
The 23-year-old Uruguayan centre-back's deal was due to run out in 2023, and both Manchester United and Liverpool were thought to be keen on the defender should he have failed to agree terms with Xavi's new leadership in Spain.
However, any such hopes have now been dashed, as the young defender has penned a deal to keep him at the club until the prime of his career.
In a statement, the club said:
'FC Barcelona and the player Ronald Araujo have reached an agreement to renew his contract until 30 June 2026. The buy-out clause stipulated is set at €1bn.
'The signing of the new contract will take place on Friday 29 April at 1.30pm CEST on the field at Camp Nou (event closed to the public) with the following programme'
Araujo's place in danger?
Despite signing a new deal and having made 39 appearances for the Blaugrana this campaign, Araujo will certainly be looking over his shoulder nervously ahead of the new campaign, with his place set to come under threat.
This comes with Barcelona having agreed a deal to sign Andreas Christensen on a free transfer when his Chelsea contract runs out this summer, further adding to their stable of centrebacks that already includes Eric Garcia, Gerard Pique, Oscar Mingueza and Clement Lenglet, with Samuel Umtiti expected to depart the club this summer.
Who Xavi opts for in the heart of his defence remains to be seen, but his preference for a left-footed option in Garcia could leave Araujo and Christensen fighting it out for a single spot.
:quality(70)/s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/xlmedia/75056cb2-70a2-47ac-a9bf-dc86877bc260.png)
