Ronald Araujo’s recovery could change Barcelona transfer plans – Report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have quite a competitive and deep squad for this season, with almost all the positions well covered. However, the defense has been comparatively thin, and some changes might be in the offing for this area of the team.

The Catalans lost one of their most important defenders during the last summer transfer window, as Inigo Martinez left for the Saudi side Al-Nassr. More recently, they have also lost another important defender, i.e., Ronald Araujo, who is currently on a leave of absence to recover from his mental issues.

In regards to this situation of their backline, Mundo Deportivo reports that the top priority of the Catalan club is to recover the Uruguayan center-back, who has a contract till 2031. His return to form would help the Blaugranes avoid making a significant investment in the market for another defender.

Unlike physical injuries, Araujo’s recovery timeline is uncertain, as it depends entirely on his mental state. Predicting a return or ruling out the possibility of a relapse is extremely difficult in such cases.

If Araujo returns fully fit and without issues, Barcelona would adopt an alternative strategy. The club would likely target a young left-footed centre-back who could be developed over time, rather than someone who would immediately need to meet the high demands of the first team.

In addition to top targets such as Alessandro Bastoni and Nico Schlotterbeck, the club is also monitoring less prominent young defenders who would require a smaller financial outlay while still offering potential for growth.

Barcelona’s approach balances optimism for Araujo’s return with caution in the transfer market, ensuring that the team remains competitive while preparing for all possible scenarios in defence.