Deco's ideal signing regrets it after finding out what's happening with Ronald Araújo

The defensive line at Barça has undergone the most changes since the start of the season, and Flick still isn't completely sure about it. The unexpected departure this summer of Basque center-back Iñigo Martínez has caused some doubts in the defensive core. So much so that in the first seven matchdays of La Liga, Flick has made several changes in order to find the right formula.

In this past Sunday's match, the latest starting pair in the defensive core was Ronald Araújo with Andreas Christensen. Once again, Flick decided to rotate the center-backs, which seems like it will be a trend for the current campaign. This time, Pau Cubarsí and Eric García had to wait for their opportunity on the blaugrana bench.

Ronald Araújo put in a good performance, staying very focused throughout the match against the Basques. The rumors about his departure from the club now seem to be definitively forgotten, especially considering his contract renewal through 2031. The Uruguayan center-back's conviction is clear, not only to finish the current season but also to fulfill his entire contract.

Transfer rumors

After Iñigo Martínez's departure and an inconsistent preseason in which Araújo didn't particularly shine, Deco had considered a signing for the back line. The name of Ibrahima Konaté, French center-back from Liverpool, started to gain traction. Konaté's contract with the English team ends in 2026, and he isn't expected to renew his deal with Liverpool.

This situation put him on Deco's radar, and it was expected that Barça could make a move in the final moments of the transfer window. In the end, Barça didn't sign anyone else, showing their complete trust in Ronald Araújo, who had renewed his contract through 2031 just a few months earlier. The Uruguayan center-back is aware that in the current campaign, he's starting from scratch after a tough period due to injuries.

The best version of Ronald Araújo

The Uruguayan center-back's commitment to Barça has never been in doubt; he feels fully integrated into the city and the club. Araújo expresses satisfaction at playing for a team like the blaugrana, which has returned to winning ways under Hansi Flick. The main goal for the Uruguayan this season is to win the top European trophy, the Champions League, which is a real challenge.

Araújo's greatest desire is to make history at Barça as part of a young, ambitious, and talented project. As team captain, he feels a connection with Carles Puyol because of the character the Catalan center-back displayed. Ronald Araújo has put an end to rumors about a possible departure from the club and is looking to become a key piece in the heart of the culé defense.