Ronald Araujo: Barça’s Great Defensive Gamble Enters Its Final Chapter
Barcelona’s new era under Hansi Flick is underway, and while the German manager is open to reshaping many aspects of the squad, one player he’s not ready to discard yet is Ronald Araujo. Despite a rocky past year, filled with costly errors, fitness concerns, and inconsistent displays, Araujo is still seen within the club as a player capable of reaching the highest level — if he can rediscover his form.
Sources from Catalunya Press confirm that both Flick and the Barça board still have faith in the Uruguayan’s raw attributes: his explosive athleticism, fearless tackling, and natural leadership qualities. They believe Araujo’s recent decline isn’t due to a lack of talent, but rather a mix of injuries, poor tactical adaptation, and perhaps mental fatigue from the high expectations placed on him so early in his career.
Hansi Flick is said to be personally invested in Araujo’s revival. The German values strong, aggressive centre-backs who can command the backline and contribute to building out from the back — and he sees flashes of that in Araujo. But time is running out.
2025/26 is now viewed as Araujo’s defining season at Barcelona. Internally, it’s being described as his final opportunity to prove he deserves to be part of the club’s long-term project. If he thrives under Flick’s system, he could regain his status as an untouchable. But if not, the club may be forced to consider serious transfer offers, especially given his value on the market and the financial pressures still looming over Barça.
In short, while many around Europe are already circling in anticipation of Araujo becoming available, Barcelona hasn’t shut the door on him — not yet. Flick’s arrival gives him a clean slate, but the expectations are clear: this season, he must perform like a leader, or risk being left behind in the club’s rebuild.
