Barcelona have announced that defender Ronald Araujo has agreed to a new contract extension until 2026, with his release clause, increased to €1 billion ($1.16 billion).
? @RonaldAraujo_4 renews with Barça!
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 26, 2022
Araujo’s previous contract was set to expire in 2023, and ESPN had reported that both Manchester United and Liverpool were interested in signing the Uruguay international.
Although the Premier League clubs’ offers were larger than Barca’s, reports indicate that the player’s desire has always been to remain at Camp Nou.
Despite being just 23 years old, Araujo has been on the same terms at Barcelona since signing for the club’s B squad from Boston River for an original fee of €2 million in 2018.
That made him one of the lowest-paid players in the first team coming into the current season, with his representatives eager for his wage to improve in accordance with his new position at the club.
In 39 appearances in all competitions for Xavi Hernandez’s side, he has scored four goals, including one in the 4-0 Clasico victory over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.
In spite of the interest from English teams, reports suggest that there had been a breakthrough in negotiations, with Barca increasing their first offer and Araujo agreeing to meet halfway.
When Chelsea’s contract with Andreas Christensen runs out at the end of the season, Barca will have an agreement in place to bring him to the Nou Camp on a free transfer.
In the midst of Barca’s defense next season, Araujo and Christensen will face off against Gerard Pique and Eric Garcia, with the club open to offers for Clement Lenglet, Oscar Mingueza, and Samuel Umtiti.
