Amid summer transfer rumors, one thing is clear at FC Barcelona: Ronald Araujo is not for sale. Despite a season marked by injuries and public scrutiny, the Catalan club continues to rely on the Uruguayan center-back as a defensive cornerstone. Both Deco, the sporting director, and new coach Hansi Flick agree that Araujo must remain in the squad, especially with high-stakes matches in the Champions League in mind.

The 26-year-old defender did not have his best season. Lingering effects from an injury suffered with the Uruguayan national team last summer hampered his start. Additionally, Juventus’s interest in January seemed to unsettle him briefly. However, his stay was secured with a quick renewal managed by Deco. Still, a clause in his new contract could lower his release fee to 60 million euros between July 1 and 15, a condition that keeps fans on edge.

The fastest center-back in the world, according to Barça

Internally, the club highlights that Araujo has clocked top speeds of 34 km/h, considering him the fastest center-back in the world during high-intensity actions. This makes him crucial to Flick’s system, especially for defensive recoveries in open space. Even if his overall campaign wasn’t stellar, his key performances in games such as the Spanish Super Cup final against Real Madrid and the Copa del Rey semifinal return leg against Atlético Madrid are still highly valued.

The club also perceives a degree of unfairness in the comparisons with rising star Pau Cubarsí, whose breakthrough season has been impressive but has led to excessive criticism of Araujo. The board maintains that the Uruguayan remains the best defender in the squad, even ahead of unsuccessful signings like Jonathan Tah. Furthermore, with Iñigo Martínez nearing the end of his career and Andreas Christensen potentially leaving this summer, keeping Araujo is a top priority.

Iniesta celebrates Barça’s future with Lamine Yamal

While Araujo’s future hangs in the balance, another Barça legend, Andrés Iniesta, has praised the renewal of Lamine Yamal until 2031, calling him “a unique talent” who can bring great joy to fans. The former midfielder, who led the Champions League trophy parade in Munich, also described Barça’s recent season as very positive, highlighting the team’s mix of youth and experience.

With solid decisions like keeping Araujo and securing the future with players like Lamine, Barça aims to build a new era of success under Flick’s leadership.