Barcelona decide against including “fear clause” in Ronald Araujo deal with Liverpool | OneFootball

Earlier this week, Liverpool completed the signing of Ronald Araujo on a season-long loan from Barcelona. The Uruguayan defender, who was not counted on by Hansi Flick, sought a move away after recognising that his minutes would be low during the 2026-27 season had be stayed at the Spotify Camp Nou, but now, he could come against the club that he captained to a domestic double during the previous campaign.

Liverpool will be one of Barcelona’s rivals for the Champions League, a competition that the Catalans are desperate to win having not done so since 2015. Given the strength of both clubs, there is every chance that they meet, either during the league phase or the knockout stages, and if they do, Araujo will be focused on.

This is especially the case because Barcelona could have included a “fear clause” in the agreement with Liverpool, but as Sport have revealed, they have not chosen to do so. Thus, the 27-year-old will be eligible to face his parent club in the Champions League if they two sides are drawn together at any stage.

Fear clauses are uncommon between European clubs

In Spain, it is very common for fear clauses to be included in agreements between two clubs. Barcelona have done it when loaning out their players to fellow La Liga sides, but it is not as prominent when it comes to deals across Europe. Thus, it is not a surprise that Araujo’s deal does not include one, although it could be a decision that the Catalans regret.

In hindsight, playing in the Premier League should be ideal for Araujo’s style of play. He has the physicality and ability to become one of the best centre-backs in the league, but much will depend on whether his confidence levels are high, as that was a particular area of concern at Barcelona over the last 2-3 years.