Ronald Araújo has made the definitive decision to leave Barça. He doesn't want to continue and hopes to finalize his next destination next week, with Juventus as his most likely new team. So far, Barcelona has been stalling and has set a price of 70 million euros, but the Uruguayan defender's request is firm: he wants to leave... and he wants to do it now.
On his X account, Joan Fontes revealed that Ronald Araújo informed the captains of the Catalan club on Saturday of his decision to leave. His contract ends in 2026, but his intention is clear: he doesn't want to renew. He hasn't been convinced by the proposals he's received and feels more "wanted" elsewhere, accepting Juventus's offer.
The mentioned information indicates that, in addition to informing the captains, with Raphinha at the forefront, that he wants to leave this January, he also personally asked Hansi Flick not to play against Real Madrid. Ronald Araújo doesn't want to be present in the Spanish Super Cup final, trying to avoid an injury that could prevent his desired move to Juventus.
Ronald Araújo: Request Confirmed, Barça Sets a Condition for His Departure
This way, Ronald Araújo has taken the step forward that Barcelona asked him to negotiate with Juventus. He doesn't want to stay, and his departure is considered certain, although there won't be negotiations until the return from Saudi Arabia. In any case, it doesn't seem like it will have an easy outcome, given the price is too high for the Italian club.
Barça has no intention of giving away Ronald Araújo, although they know that time is against them. With his contract ending in 2026, it seems unlikely that now or next summer, they will pay the 70 million that Deco is asking for.
However, the reality is this: Ronald Araújo is tired and wants to leave Barça. He has no intention of renewing, having left the last two proposals unanswered. His next destination seems to be Juventus, willing to pay a transfer now, or a loan with a mandatory purchase in the summer.
Ronald Araújo is an important player at Barça and won't leave at any price, even at the risk of leaving for free in 2026.