Barcelona set to sign Uruguayan youngster Ronald Araújo
Barcelona will complete the signing of Boston River defender Ronald Araújo
Barcelona’s scouting network in South American has expanded exponentially, and the club’s latest signing will prove that. The club have signed the likes of Yerry Mina and Arthur Melo from Latin American clubs, and Ronald Araújo is going to be a defensive reinforcement for the B team.
Barça will be paying a fee in the region of €5 million for Ronald Araújo, with the 19-year old Uruguayan centre-back joining Xavi García Pimienta’s setup at the Mini Estadi. Araújo is the captain of the Uruguay Under-20 side.
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He joined Boston River on a €400,000 deal last season after coming up through the ranks at Huracán de Rivera. Araújo has made 5 appearances for the U-20 team, and he made 22 appearances in all competitions for River last season.
Araújo’s signing will significantly improve the B team defence, especially after the return of loanee David Costas to his parent club. The youngster is expected to slot straight into the first-team and partner Chumi in central defence, acting as an aerial threat due to his height.
The club have been searching for a defender who can succeed the ageing Thomas Vermaelen as backup to the main defensive pairing, and Ronald Araújo might just be that player, although it is too early for him to play with the first-team squad.
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But being a youth international, the 19-year old central defender is clearly talented and he has the potential to be a success at Barcelona if he manages to adapt to European conditions.