Ronald Araujo edges towards Barcelona stay as €60m release clause nears expiry despite Deco hinting at summer sale

As per Mundo Deportivo, Araujo has entered the final stretch of a 15-day window during which clubs could trigger his €60m exit clause. This clause, agreed upon during his contract extension last January, expires on July 15.

With no concrete offers made and Araujo already preparing for Barcelona’s preseason, signs strongly suggest he will stay at Camp Nou. While sporting director Deco admitted that a centre-back may need to be sold, his recent comments implied that Araujo is not the one on the chopping block. Instead, Andreas Christensen is believed to be the more likely departure.

Araujo, 26, is under contract until 2031. He has returned early and maintained his own training program, showing strong intent to compete for a starting spot, especially with Inigo Martínez and Pau Cubarsi also vying for places.

Araujo signed his contract renewal with the Catalan giants right after winning the Supercopa de Espana in January. During negotiations, a clause allowing a potential summer exit was included as a gesture of goodwill. His extension was viewed as a crucial step in securing the club’s defensive future. The Uruguayan has previously attracted strong interest from Juventus and several Premier League clubs.

With medical tests scheduled for July 13 and the release clause window closing on July 15, Araujo is expected to officially continue with Barcelona heading into the new season. Unless a surprise offer is triggered in the final days, the focus will shift to Christensen as the possible centre-back sale.