Barcelona defender feels targeted by club – exit door beckons

Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo has been signalled as the prime candidate to be sold by the club this summer, as they desperately try to soften their financial problems. And he is beginning to get that feeling too.

According to Barca Reservat, the Uruguayan defender has not felt particularly appreciated by the club in recent weeks, starting with the reaction to his mistake against Paris Saint-Germain. He felt he did not have the backing of the club, and despite President Joan Laporta’s public declarations and desire to renew his contract, no acceptable renewal offer has arrived yet.

🚨 Xavi is obsessed with Nico Williams and considers him a priority target to reinforce the team in the summer. Once the new pivot is signed, the club will go after Nico. @alexpintanel 🇪🇦 pic.twitter.com/OEKWVLq3Lu

— barcacentre (@barcacentre) May 16, 2024

Araujo signed a ‘cut-price’ deal in 2022, with the idea that he would be rewarded with a much better deal as soon as possible. However two years down the line, their ability or willingness to do so is not at the level he would like. Given those two factors, Araujo is allegedly starting to feel as if he is being nudged towards the exit door. It is also noted that Araujo has other teams willing to pay him more, and pay big for him, in contrast to Pedri, whose value has dropped in the two years since his contract was signed.

Bayern Munich held talks with Araujo in January but are yet to get in touch since. Meanwhile Manchester United have reportedly told his camp that they will move for him if he gives them the green light. Barcelona’s situation makes Araujo’s exit a logical decision, if a somewhat painful one.