Barcelona ‘negotiating’ with Liverpool for £35m

The future of Ronald Araujo at Barcelona has once again become the subject of transfer speculation. According to Spanish outlet Defensa Central, club president Joan Laporta is reportedly concerned about potential interest from arch-rivals Real Madrid in the Uruguayan defender.

To avoid the risk of negotiating with their biggest rival, Laporta is said to be considering a move that would see Araujo – one of Barcelona’s captains – sold to Liverpool. The Premier League club are thought to be preparing an offer exceeding €40m (£35m), with the Spanish giants keen to finalise a deal outside of La Liga.

Barcelona, Real Madrid and Liverpool all monitoring Araujo’s situation

Despite the recent arrival of Dean Huijsen from Juventus, Real Madrid remain in the market for another centre-back. New manager Xabi Alonso reportedly wants more options in defence, particularly given his tendency to alternate between back-three and back-four systems.

While the Madrid club’s main targets are believed to include Ibrahima Konate from Liverpool and William Saliba from Arsenal, both pursuits present difficulties. Konate is approaching the final year of his contract and Liverpool are attempting to secure a renewal, while Saliba has already expressed his desire to remain at the Emirates.

Against this backdrop, Barcelona fear Araujo could emerge as Madrid’s next target. The situation evokes memories of the controversial 2000 transfer of Luis Figo from Barcelona to Real Madrid – a move that sparked outrage among the Blaugrana fanbase.

Liverpool seen as the preferred and more realistic destination

In a bid to avoid a repeat of the Figo saga, Laporta is said to be open to selling Araujo to another major European club. Liverpool have reportedly shown serious interest, viewing the 25-year-old as a potential long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk, who turned 34 this month.

Araujo joined Barcelona in 2018 and is under contract until 2031. While his injury record limited him to just 25 appearances last season, during which he scored twice and provided two assists, he remains a key figure in the squad.

Despite the growing rumours, a direct transfer between Barcelona and Real Madrid is considered highly unlikely. Deals between the two clubs are rare, and Araujo himself is said to be reluctant to accept an offer that could damage his relationship with Barcelona fans.

Barcelona leadership express public support for Araujo

Behind the scenes, Barcelona’s hierarchy continue to back the defender. In a recent interview with La Vanguardia, sporting director Deco insisted that the club’s intention is to strengthen the squad, not weaken it.

“Ronald has renewed his contract. He endured a difficult season with unfair criticism and now wants to return to his best,” Deco stated.

Vice-president Rafa Yuste echoed those sentiments, saying: “We are very happy with Araujo and with all the players in the squad.” Meanwhile, Laporta told Mundo Deportivo that while changes will be made this summer, the club want to avoid painful departures: “We want to preserve the spirit and magic of the team. We will avoid traumatic losses.”

This article was originally published on Trivela.

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