Barcelona January transfer plans dependent on Ronald Araujo recovery | OneFootball

FC Barcelona were active in the summer transfer window and made several significant signings to strengthen the squad. Marcus Rashford and Roony Bardghji arrived to boost the attack, and Joan Garcia stepped in to strengthen the goalkeeping department. However, the situation in defense evolved very differently.

During the summer, Deco publicly stated that Barcelona had an overbooking of center-backs and that at least one of them could leave. Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araujo were the two names linked with an exit, and the club initially preferred to move on from Christensen due to his contract situation and his reduced role under Hansi Flick.

At that point, Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez were the established starting center backs, forming the most trusted pairing for the coach.

Unexpectedly, it was Inigo Martinez who departed the club and joined Al Nasr on a free transfer. Barcelona decided not to sign a replacement and instead relied on their existing options.

Since then, the team’s defensive performances and the inconsistency shown by multiple center-backs have raised concerns about that decision. Flick has been trying to identify a stable partner for Pau Cubarsi in the heart of the defense.

Christensen has delivered solid performances but has not earned Flick’s full trust. Araujo, once seen as an automatic starter, has struggled to maintain his level. Eric Garcia has been reliable whenever used as a center back, but Jules Kounde’s worrying form at right back, along with injuries in midfield, have pushed Flick to deploy Eric in several other roles.

More recently, the coach has even turned to Gerard Martin, another versatile player, and used him as a left-sided center back to cover gaps.

The situation became more complicated when Araujo received a red card in the first half of a crucial Champions League match against Chelsea, leaving the team exposed once again.

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It was not the first time he had been sent off in a major continental fixture, and this latest incident had a profound mental impact on him. The club granted him time away from the team so that he could recover emotionally as well as physically.

According to a report from SPORT, Barcelona now find themselves in a cautious position regarding the upcoming winter transfer window. The club does not plan to make any signings for the moment, but their final decision will depend entirely on how Ronald Araujo recovers.

His physical readiness, mental stability, and ability to perform at his best level will determine whether the club enters the market for a new center back.

Araujo remains a fundamental figure in the squad. His physical strength, defensive leadership, and influence in the dressing room are highly valued by both Flick and Deco. If he returns fully prepared and confident, Barcelona will continue with the current squad and avoid making any January moves. If he does not, the club may be forced to seek a reinforcement for the heart of the defense.

The decision will also be shaped by the demanding schedule ahead. Barcelona face important matches in La Liga and the Champions League, in addition to the Spanish Super Cup and the Copa del Rey, which begins for the team in January.

Flick knows the importance of having Araujo available at full capacity during such a period, but he is also aware that the defender must be 100% ready.

For now, the club remains patient and cautious. January will remain quiet at Camp Barcelona as long as Araujo returns in the condition the team needs. If not, the Catalans will be prepared to make a move, leaving all scenarios open as they wait for the Uruguayan’s definitive response on the pitch and in training.