Ronald Araujo will not travel with the Barcelona squad today as he prepares to fly to Merseyside for his Liverpool medical. Although it’s never celebrated to part ways with a talismanic defender, the dynamics of this specific transfer will render it a win-win situation. A transfer to Anfield would benefit all parties involved.
The Barcelona staff managed by Hansi Flick originally intended to keep Ronald Araujo at the Nou Camp and retain him this season after an impressive pre season. However, the Uruguayan international has since made a personal decision that leaving the Catalan club will allow him the most opportunity to restart his career.
A necesssary reset for Araujo
By his own admission, Araujo has not had a great period over his last few seasons. He has suffered numerous setbacks through injuries over the past few seasons which, alongside a subsequent drop in his form, has shaken his confidence in his ability. A change of environment, especially one in such a demanding league as that of the Premier League, could indeed prove to be beneficial.
Liverpool is also going to be covering 100% of his salary throughout the season he would be on loan. This is the biggest boost for Barca financially, especially when they are looking at a number of transfer targets. Liverpool have a buy clause that amounts to €55M for the Uruguay international with a deadline of summer 2027, a non-obligatory deal.
Fitness would clearly be an issue for Araujo at Anfield. But if he stays injury free there’s no doubt that the Premier League quality could bring back 2.0 version of Ronald Araujo.
This then, would leave Barcelona with an exceptionally strong position next summer, as the ball would still very much be in Barcelona's court due to his age. It means the Blaugrana could choose between welcoming Araujo back as a Barcelona captain again, or just make a large sum of money with his departure.
The domino effect: Enter Cristian Romero and Alvaro Cortes
The exit of Ronald Araejo frees up the needed wage that Barca need to make the significant splash they are desperate to make and acquire the signature of a world class defender. Aymeric Laporte and Cristian Romero are the two names most linked with Barcelona.
With negotiations already opened between Tottenham and two clubs that desperately desire him, namely Atletico Madrid and Inter, Cristian Romero always deferred interest. This is happening as Barcelona are continually presenting themselves as the more desirable option. He is holding out specifically for Barcelona, waiting for the news of Araujo leaving the Nou Camp to become official.
The Argentine World Cup has clearly been waiting for Barcelona, and is expected to present no issues whatsoever regarding personal terms and agreements. But there's a limit to how much Romero would stall other offers. Barcelona have their focus shift in the Rodri deal, but if they want him, then they must show concrete interest.
Barcelona might not even go for anyone for the centre back position. Hansi Flick and the coaching staff have full faith in La Masia product Alvaro Cortes to step up and show his potential this season. Hansi Flick would ideally love to have a proven world class centre back to pair with Pau Cubarsi, and there’s nobody hotter than Cuti Romero right now.
But wih Barcelona fully focused on the Rodri and Alvarez deal, we might see Barcelona miss on this golden oppurtunity.
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