Flick meeting leaves Barcelona facing a big question with Araújo

Hansi Flick wrapped up his last meeting with Barcelona’s sporting committee before heading off on vacation, and he didn’t leave quietly. The German coach finalized next season’s blueprint with sporting director Deco, zeroing in on what the squad needs to seriously chase the Champions League.

Two of the decisions made that day have already gone into effect: the $75 million signing of English winger Anthony Gordon from Newcastle, and the departure of longtime fitness chief Julio Tous.

Araújo must weigh up his options

But those moves were just the surface. One of the most delicate topics discussed was the future of Ronald Araújo — a player who, late last year, stepped away from the team for nearly two months to address a mental‑health crisis.

Right now, Araújo’s future at Barcelona is anything but certain. Flick values him as a leader — he’s the team’s first captain — but on the field, his role has shrunk dramatically. According to Catalunya Ràdio’s “Barça Reservat,” later confirmed by AS, Flick currently ranks Araújo as the fifth center back in the squad, behind Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, Eric García, and Andreas Christensen. In fact, Araújo’s most recent appearances have come at right back, a sign of how far he’s slipped in the pecking order.

It’s an unusual situation for a player of his stature — and salary. Araújo earns more than $10.7 million a year before taxes, a mid‑to‑high tier wage for the club. Barcelona now wants to hear directly from the Uruguayan defender to understand how he sees his own future.

Neither the club nor the player has pushed for a transfer so far. Not long ago, Bayern Munich reportedly floated an offer close to $86 million, back when Araújo was the undisputed anchor of Barça’s defense. But times have changed. Pau Cubarsí has taken over that role seamlessly, and the center‑back group is already crowded — even more so if the club brings in another defender and with young Álvaro Cortés pushing to stay with the first team permanently.

For now, everything is on pause until after the World Cup. Araújo hasn’t been able to debut yet due to a soleus muscle injury that forced him into a whirlwind 12,000‑mile trip to Madrid for emergency treatment. Once the tournament wraps, both sides will need to decide whether their paths still align — or whether it’s time to part ways. Ultimately, the decision will rest with the player.

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