FC Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo has told the first team’s captains that he will not renew his … [+]
Getty ImagesFC Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo has revealed to the first team’s other captains that he won’t renew his contract and instead accept Juventus’ offer.
Furthermore, according to Catalan journalist Joan Fontes, citing anonymous sources, the Uruguayan has told head coach Hansi Flick that he doesn’t wish to play against Real Madrid in Sunday’s Spanish Super Cup final either.
This week has seen reports from Italy explain that Araujo has already agreed to join Juventus.
La Gazzetta dello Sport first broke this news, while La Repubblica later reported that Barca had accepted Juventus’ offer consisting of an initial paid loan involving the Uruguayan and an obligation to buy him in the summer.
On Saturday, MARCA, citing anonymous sources, reported that Barca has rejected a $36 million (€35 million) offer from ‘The Old Lady’ but would be willing to accept something between the region of $71.8-82 million (€70-80 million).
During a prematch press conference to preview Sunday’s meeting with Real Madrid in a Spanish Super Cup final edition of El Clasico, Flick said that, “When I started as a coach I saw that there were many rumors” surrounding Araujo.
“Ronald has returned from a terrible injury and is now strong enough to play. He’s a good option and he’s very professional. I think we have taken care of him a lot.
“It’s not my job to talk about rumors, but I want him in my team. He is one of the best defenders”, the German added.
Flick received a message during his sitdown with the press informing him that Araujo and the team’s main captain in the light of an injury to Marc-Andre Ter Stegen – Raphinha – wanted to talk to him.
Alongside the two mentioned names, Araujo too is one of five skippers with Frenkie de Jong and Pedri completing a quintet.
According to Fontes, Araujo has told his fellow leaders that he doesn’t intend to renew his contract which expires on June 30, 2026 because he will agree to join Juventus.
Furthermore, the 25-year-old allegedly doesn’t want to feature against Los Blancos, which might have been a given anyway considering how he is currently being kept out of the first XI thanks to a partnership formed by Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez.
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