Barcelona director considers club captain ‘untouchable’ amid exit links | OneFootball

Ronald Araujo has once again become the bone of contention at Barcelona as the club ponder a potential sale this summer.

As Barça look to bring in new faces this summer, making a prominent sale could be imperative if they are to afford any new stars.

Araujo, to that end, has emerged as a prime sale candidate, particularly due to the fact that the Uruguayan international has a lot of market value and could fetch a high sum.

AC Milan have already been linked with a move for the Barcelona club captain earlier in the day, though the Rossoneri are only offering a swap deal.

Deco is shielding Ronald Araujo

Amid speculation linking him with a move away from Barcelona, however, a recent report from AS has shed some light on how Araujo has the backing of Deco.

As per the report, the Barcelona sporting director considers Araujo an “untouchable” figure in the defence, someone whose leadership and playing profile are seen as key to Hansi Flick’s long-term plans.

Deco remains a key supporter of Ronald Araujo (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Deco is leading internal conversations to resist the sale of the Uruguayan, despite pressure from within the club to cash in.

The report adds that rather than parting ways with Araujo, the club are leaning towards selling Andreas Christensen, whose contract expires in 2026 and who endured an injury-hit season.

Deco is likely playing a key factor behind this decision, but as July 1 approaches, the sporting director could face renewed pressure to sell Araujo.

That is because of a special clause in the defender’s contract, which would lower the player’s release clause to just €65 million.

This will essentially make Deco powerless to keep hold of the Uruguayan international, provided the player does indeed intend to leave the club.