Ronald Araujo's future at Barcelona in doubt with €65m release clause coming into effect in summer transfer window

With each passing day, Ronald Araujo’s time at Barcelona seems to be nearing its inevitable end. As the current campaign enters its final phase and the summer transfer window approaches, the Uruguayan center-back could depart for €65 million, according to AS.

Araujo was on the verge of leaving Barcelona this January, with Juventus leading the race for his signature. During the Spanish Super Cup, the Uruguay international seemed almost out the door. However, an injury to Inigo Martinez led to a change of heart from Barcelona's sporting department, led by Deco, who quickly offered Araujo a renewal.

The new contract, valid until June 30, 2031, included a clause reducing his release fee to €65 million if a suitor emerged within the first ten days of the summer transfer window, replacing the previous €1 billion clause. Araujo accepted the terms, hoping to secure his place in Hansi Flick's starting lineup.

However, things haven't gone as planned for Araujo. Martinez, the defensive leader, along with Pau Cubarsi's rise and Eric Garcia's breakout performances, have pushed Araujo down the pecking order, so much so that he has become fourth-choice for Flick. The 25-year-old has not played in the last three games, remaining on the bench against Rayo Vallecano, Las Palmas, and Atletico Madrid. His last appearance was on February 9 against Sevilla.

Andreas Christensen's imminent return to fitness, with the potential arrival of Jonathan Tah on a free transfer from Bayer Leverkusen, point towards a bleak Barca future for Araujo. He could probably seek greener pastures and move to the Premier League in the summer, with reports indicating that Manchester United are plotting a blockbuster transfer for the Barca No.4.