Barcelona in a 'Cold War' with 'world's best'

Tom Weber

• Updated: 28 Sep 2024 14:49 CDT
• 3 min read

Barcelona are in a 'Cold War' with Ronald Araujo, according to Spanish media.

The Uruguay international has not featured for the club under new coach Hansi Flick after suffering a long-term injury on international duty in the summer.

Araujo is expected to return to action in the winter, though a specific date is not yet known, so he could be back in December, January or perhaps even later if there are complications with his recovery.

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In positive news for Barcelona, his absence has not really been felt despite the fact that former boss Xavi once described him as 'one of the best' defenders in the world.

With the exception of losing the opening game in the Champions League, Flick's men have been flawless so far this season, which has shown the club that big-earner Araujo is expendable.

Barcelona want Araujo to leave

The Catalans, of course, are still forced to pinch pennies and are looking to get some big names off the books. FootballTransfers exclusively revealed on Friday that Barcelona have proposed to Frenkie de Jong - LaLiga's highest-paid player - that they will pay out his €18 million in deferred wages if he agrees to leave the club in 2025.

Similarly, Sport now reports that Barcelona are essentially in a 'Cold War' with Araujo. The club were open to selling him at the right price in the summer and this stance has not changed.

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Given that his return is expected to coincide with the January window, Barcelona are hoping that someone will be willing to move for him. They will not actively force the player to get out, but they will ask him to move on should a suitable offer arrive.

Paradoxically, despite their willingness to free up his wages, Barcelona were also in talks over a potential contract extension before his injury. His deal is up in 2026 and the club want to protect his value.

Araujo had interest from around Europe, with Bayern Munich and Man Utd linked, but the player has always been keen on staying at Barcelona long-term. His future is entirely up in the air and will have to be resolved one way or another in 2025.