Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has firmly denied suggestions that Ronald Araujo could be sold during this summer's transfer window, with the centre-back struggling to show his best form during the 2024-25 campaign.
Araujo has only made 24 appearances for Barcelona this season, with just 11 of those coming in Spain's top flight.
The Uruguay international missed the opening months of the campaign due to a serious hamstring injury, but he struggled to secure a regular starting role upon his return to fitness due to the form of Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez.
Araujo signed a new contract with Barcelona in January 2025, but there has recently been speculation surrounding his future, with the Catalan giants thought to be willing to sell him for the right price this summer.
However, Flick has insisted that the centre-back remains firmly in his plans for next season.
© Imago
Flick firmly denies suggestions Barca could sell Araujo
"Of course, he signed his renewal. I believe in him 100%. It was not an easy season for him, with Cubarsi and Inigo so settled but I am sure that Araujo will improve a lot the following season," Flick told reporters.
Araujo missed last weekend's La Liga clash with Villarreal through injury, and he remains a doubt for the team's final match of the campaign, which comes against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday night.
There is also currently speculation surrounding Ansu Fati's future, with the 22-year-old only making 11 appearances at club level this season, and he has failed to score or register an interest.
Fati has a contract at Camp Nou until June 2027, though, and Flick has revealed that the Spain international will make the final decision when it comes to a possible summer transfer
"It's not my decision, he has a contract and he will make the decision. When he wants to talk to me we'll talk about it, but it's up to him," added the German during Saturday's press conference.
© Imago
Will Szczesny pen an extension at Barcelona?
Flick was also asked about Wojciech Szczesny, with the experienced goalkeeper's contract due to expire at the end of June, but it is understood that the club are keen to extend his deal until the summer of 2026.
"The most important thing, and I have spoken to Deco about it, is that the important players stay to guarantee Barca's future. Deco knows what we can strengthen. We talk a lot with Deco and we are on the same wavelength," he added.
Szczesny has madę 30 appearances for Barcelona since his arrival on a free transfer, keeping 14 clean sheets in the process.
However, he was on the bench for last weekend's La Liga game against Villarreal, with fit-again Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who is the club's number one, featuring between the sticks.
VOTE IN THE 2024-25 SPORTS MOLE READERS' AWARDS!
Voting is now open for the annual Sports Mole Readers' Awards, where you can pick your player of the season, manager of the season, signing of the season and much more.
Click here to make your selections, and the winners will be announced on Monday, May 26!
Matt Law
