Everything was set for Ronald Araújo's departure from Barça. Juventus was paying the 10 million needed to close the deal, and the Uruguayan center-back was heading to Turin. However, Flick intervened and everything changed.
Joan Laporta explained Barça's situation and the registration of Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor at a press conference. Immediately after, Flick met with his president to gather firsthand information.
Flick: "Araújo is Not Leaving"
Laporta confirmed to him that, indeed, Barça has solved its financial issues. They now have access to the 1:1, can make transfers, and their future is viable again. All this is happening while they await the return to Camp Nou, which will mean a new influx of money for Barça.
Flick understood the situation and then proposed Araújo's departure, which had already been agreed upon by himself, Deco, the president, and the player.
The German coach asked Laporta if Araújo's departure and the 50+15 million Barça was going to earn were essential. He asked if the numbers could work out in the financial results without the Uruguayan's transfer.
Laporta told him they were not. Flick didn't think twice: "Then Araújo is not leaving."
Araújo is a "transfer" for Hansi Flick
Flick knows what's coming at the end of this season. He knows that next month he won't be able to count on Íñigo Martínez and that any reinforcement is welcome. In terms of reinforcements, for Flick, Araújo is one of the best center-backs in the world.
Laporta suggested the possibility of delaying the operation until summer. Flick, however, insisted that, if Araújo's sale isn't necessary, it's better for him to stay at Barça. The president ended up accepting the coach's point of view.
Flick himself shared the final decision about his future to the player. The Uruguayan, who is very committed to his club, celebrated the decision to the point of ruling out the possibility of leaving in the summer. He offered the option to immediately renew the contract that expires in 2026.
Araújo Needed to Feel Appreciated
Araújo needed to feel appreciated. In the last few hours, he has received more support than he could have expected. Now he is indeed determined to stay at Barça.
Mundo Deportivo announces that Deco is already aware of Araújo's decision to extend his contract with Barça. Flick's support and his teammates' pleas for him to stay at Barça have ultimately convinced him.
Araújo will not only stay at Barça, but he will also renew until 2031. He knows that Íñigo Martínez's injury opens the doors to a starting position for the next six or seven games. He is convinced he will seize the opportunity to show Flick that he is not wrong about him.
Flick is aware that he will have an excess of players in the center-back position (Araújo, Cubarsí, Christensen, Eric García, and Íñigo Martínez). But he prefers to have too many players rather than too few.