According to a report published by SPORT, Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo rejected offers from Liverpool and Manchester United to stay with the La Liga giants in the summer.
For a fair few months, Araujo’s contract with Barça was stalled as the defender was looking for a bigger contract. The club could not offer him a hefty raise at the time due to financial problems, and the defender eventually decided to renew the offer he did have on the table.
Araujo wants to succeed at the club and dreams of becoming the captain of the team in the near future. He does not imagine playing anywhere else.
Xavi has already heralded Araujo as one of the leaders of the squad, even though he is not part of the official quadrant of captains.
“Araujo is a leader, regardless of his physical, technical, and tactical conditions. He prints his personality on the defensive line with leadership, and he has all the capabilities to make a mark at the club.”
The Uruguayan ace has not been registered with his new contract yet, though, as Barça continue to tussle with La Liga’s financial fair play rules.
“We are calm, that’s what Mateu (Alemany) and Jordi (Cruyff) tell me. I don’t think it will affect them, the issue will be resolved without further ado. They are both calm, and confident to play for Barça and they are enjoying it,” Xavi said when asked about his registration.
The club find themselves in the same waters with Gavi’s registration, as well, even though he has already been given a first-team number after a legal battle against the league.
Araujo has unsurprisingly been one of Barcelona’s best players this season, and put in a flawless performance against Real Madrid as early as yesterday.
“Araujo was spectacular, but all of our defenders were really good. He is one of the best defenders in the world,” Xavi said following the 0-1 win.
