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Ronald Araujo, who joined Barcelona from Boston River for €1.7 million in 2018, exceeded expectations by becoming a crucial figure for the club in a relatively short period. Initially playing for Barcelona Atletic after his transfer, he made his debut in the 2019/20 season, featuring in six games and receiving a red card on his debut. Despite this, the Uruguayan player’s trajectory took an upward turn, showcasing his growth and importance to the club.
He became a starter for Ronald Koeman in the next season, playing 24 games, starting 16. During this time, he also scored two goals, and gave an assist.
Cut to the 2023/24 season, Araujo is now the third-choice captain of Barcelona behind Sergi Roberto and Marc-Andre ter Stegen. He is also one of the most important players of the Xavi project, and an undisputed fan-favourite.
He signed a contract extension with the club in 2021 amid rumours linking him to Liverpool, Manchester United, and Chelsea.
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Barcelona are now working on extending his contract beyond 2026, especially after recent reports claiming Bayern Munich were interested in his services. Coach Thomas Tuchel is considered a fan of the player, and the club have been keeping tabs on him for two years.
Contrary to rumors, Ronald Araujo has dispelled any uncertainty about his future at Barcelona, expressing his commitment to the club. In a statement relayed by Fabrizio Romano, Araujo emphasized the significance of being at Barcelona and the honor of being the captain. He expressed pride and a sense of responsibility, stating, “We have big goals, we are ready for our targets.”
Barcelona secured qualification to the Champions League round of 16 with a 2-1 win against Porto, featuring Araujo as one of the standout performers. Playing at right-back with the captain’s armband, Araujo’s impressive display has positioned him as a key figure for the team, especially in the absence of the injured ter Stegen, and suggests he may assume the captaincy in upcoming matches.
(“This story remains unedited by News360Express staff and is published from a syndicated feed.”)