Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has responded to speculation that connects vice-captain Ronald Arajo with a relocation of the club. The Uruguayan defender lost his place in the side last season after an operation, and despite signing a new deal with the club until 2031, speculation about his future continues to exist.
The Blaugrana are desperate to close at least one important sale this year to illuminate the pressure on their salary limit, because they are struggling again to register players. In January it seemed as if Araujo could be that player, after interest from Juventus
The plan shifted to trying to sell Andreas Christensen, but determined with the Danish defender to see his contract, it was recently driven in the Catalan press that Barcelona would be open again for offers for Araujo.
In anticipation of Barcelona's second season with FC Seoul, Hansi Flick spoke with the media in South Korea and was asked about the future of Araujo. The question was confronted with an unclosed answer from the German.
“Araujo? Why would he leave? There are many rumors about many names, but I have no news or indication that he wants to leave. I have a great team, with a lot of quality, we have doubled all the positions, in some positions we even have three players. It is of course not easy to manage, but I am happy.”
At least, publicly, Araujo has always been determined that his first choice is to continue at the club where he participated as a teenager with him. The last time he picked up the case publicly, Araujo explained that if the choice is from him, he will stay in Barcelona.
Barcelona currently has five senior central defenders, excluding Jules Kounde. ARAUJO competes against Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez and Andreas Christensen for a starting spot, while it looks like Eric Garcia will be used the most as an improvised right back that supports Jules Kounde.