It seemed that Íñigo Martínez's injury in the Super Cup final against Real Madrid would halt the operation. However, the negotiation is still ongoing. 10 million separate Araújo from Juventus today.
If there's a player in Barça's team who has captivated Hansi Flick, that's Íñigo Martínez. This is a transfer requested by Xavi, although he barely counted on him last season.
Love at First Sight: Íñigo Martínez Impresses Hansi Flick
However, with Flick, and thanks to Araújo's long-term injury, Barça has discovered an exceptional center-back in Íñigo Martínez.
He meets the requirements Barça asks for in a center-back: defensive solidity and ball distribution. Additionally, he has become in just a year one of the locker room leaders, loved by everyone.
Íñigo Martínez's excellent performance has made Araújo expendable, despite being one of the best center-backs in the world and an undisputed starter at Barça.
However, his injury has changed many things. If in the stands Araújo is seen as a money-making machine with his sale, on the bench, he isn't untouchable.
Barça Already Has Araújo's Replacement Secured
Flick has solved the center-back position with Cubarsí and Íñigo Martínez. To cover absences and rotations, he already counts on Eric García and Christensen, who are ready to return to the team.
Additionally, next season, Bayer Leverkusen's center-back Jonathan Tah will join at no cost. Therefore, the center-back position will be well-covered without Araújo in the team.
Laporta has taken advantage of Íñigo Martínez's injury to pressure Juventus. In 48 hours, the Italians found themselves without Antonio Silva, the center-back they wanted from Benfica, and without Araújo.
The Turin club has reacted. Their initial offer was a loan until the end of the season to confirm that the player could finish the season without getting injured (he has a bad reputation due to his medical history). Then there would be a purchase option in summer for 40 million euros.
What Juve Will Pay for Araújo
Laporta, aware of Juventus's desperation, is in a position to demand. He demands an immediate sale, a 50-million, fixed transfer fee, plus 15 in variables depending on Araújo's performance and Juve's results.
The negotiation is very advanced. Juventus agrees to keep Araújo without a prior loan, and right now there's a 10 million difference between what the Turin club offers and what Barça asks for.
In the coming hours, the happy ending of the operation will be announced. Barça will reduce its wage bill by giving up one of its highest salaries and will earn 50 million plus variables for an amortized player who cost 4.5 million in 2019.