Ronald Araujo has signed a new deal with Barcelona, according to reports.
The blockbuster deal for the young centre-back includes the highest ever release clause. The 1billion euro release clause, matched only by the contracts of team-mates Ansu Fati and Pedri, has been rewarded to the Uruguayan.
Mundo Deportivo announced that the length of the deal will be four years, until 2026. It was also stated that the same huge release clause will be used to tempt Gavi to stay in a new contract.
Xavi claimed La Blauguana has been a cemented central defender for a long time coming in Araujo. The boss said: “With Araujo, Barca has a centre-back for ten years or more.”
Araujo handed one billion euro release clause
The manager is clearly chuffed to be able to keep a key asset going into next season and beyond. The former midfielder had previously said: “Gavi and Araujo are very important to us for the future. Barca cannot allow them to leave. I want to think that both of them will renew their contract.”
Earlier in the week, fellow Uruguayan Luis Suarez encouraged the superstar to stay in Catalunya.
Araujo was rumoured to be exploring other options, with the likes of Premier League giants, Chelsea and Manchester United, being keen on signing the 23-year-old. The loyal defender, who joined the team when he was just 19, was always confident of continuing his time at the Nou Camp.
He has been somewhat of a rock in the heart of the Barcelona defence this season, appearing in 34 games across all competitions and coming up with some key goals for the club. In the 4-0 demolition of rivals Real Madrid, Araujo hammered in a corner from an Ousmane Dembele corner to put the away side two up.
Do you think Araujo will go on to be one of the legends of the club? Let us know in the comments down below.