Barcelona reportedly turned down two lucrative offers for center-back Ronald Araujo during the recently concluded January transfer window.
Araujo, 24, has become a cornerstone of Xavi’s first team, contributing a goal in 28 appearances across competitions this season and helping secure seven clean sheets. Since his debut in the 2019-20 season, the Uruguayan has amassed 141 appearances for the reigning La Liga champions.
Despite being under contract until 2026, Bayern Munich made two attempts to acquire him in January. According to Mundo Deportivo (via Barca Universal), the Bundesliga giants offered €70 million to Araujo’s agent, along with €20 million in variables, but Barcelona declined.
Undeterred, Bayern came back with an improved fixed offer of €80 million, plus €10 million in variables, but Barcelona remained steadfast in their refusal. The report also indicates that Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel personally reached out to the player.
Araujo’s release clause is reportedly set at €1 billion. However, despite Barcelona’s well-documented financial challenges, they plan to extend his contract before the season concludes to ward off potential suitors.
The Uruguayan serves as the third captain of Barcelona, behind Sergi Roberto and Marc-Andre ter Stegen, but ahead of Frenkie de Jong, as voted by his teammates during the offseason.
