Barcelona superstar 'says YES' to shock transfer after €100m rumours

Tom Weber

Updated: 7 Jan 2025 09:58 CST
4 min read

Hansi Flick, Barcelona, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo has given the green light to a loan move to Juventus, according to Italian media.

The Uruguay international recently returned from a lengthy injury lay-off after suffering a hamstring problem in pre-season. His injury actually proved to be a blessing in disguise for Barcelona as it allowed them to free up salary space for other players, but Araujo is now fit and raring to go.

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However, the 25-year-old may not be playing for the Blaugrana for long. Due to the club's financial issues and the solid campaign that Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez have enjoyed, there is a feeling that they could look to cash in on Araujo.

Just last year, his suitors, which included Bayern Munich, Man Utd and Chelsea, were quoted a €100 million price tag, but things change quickly in football and he is no longer considered untouchable by Barcelona, although they are open to extending his contract.

Ultimately, though, financial exigencies mean that Barcelona would probably be better off without Araujo and this has piqued the interest of other clubs.

Araujo to Juventus?

While he may no longer fetch Barcelona €100m, he could once again free up vital salary space and Juventus are keen to pounce on this potential opportunity. In fact, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, Araujo has already greenlit an initial loan move to Turin.

With captain Danilo essentially kicked out by coach Thiago Motta and Gleison Bremer and Juan Cabal injured for the rest of the season, the Bianconeri want to add at least two centre-backs this month and the signing of Araujo is, it is claimed, considered one of the easier operations.

Juventus have been linked with David Hancko of Feyenoord as well, but his signing would be permanent and negotiations could therefore drag on for longer. There is also an interest in Benfica wonderkid Antonio Silva, who is said to be keen on the move, but he has a €100m release clause.

As for Araujo, it seems that personal terms won't be an issue, though Juventus still have to convince Barcelona to warm to the idea of a loan transfer. RC Lens defender Kevin Danso, who was close to joining Roma in the summer and is being courted by Wolves, is another option for the Old Lady.