Recent news circulating Barcelona’s captain Araújo indicated that he will be leaving FC Barcelona this January to sign for Juventus. On Tuesday, Deco personally convinced Araújo to continue at the club and renew his contract.
Rumors about the transfer
Throughout Araújo’s Barcelona career, the Uruguayan had a hard time suffering from injuries. Araújo missed over 80 games for club and country from 2019/20 onwards. Araújo was the main starting defender for Barcelona, but during his recovery period, Barcelona found themselves with a new defending duo of Cubarsí and Iñigo Martínez. This duo was a blend of youth and experience and proved why they deserve the starting position.
According to Relevo, Juventus had a €50m offer ready to go for Araujo, which they were prepared to send to Barcelona this week. Manager Thiago Motta has even been in conversation with Araujo recently about the move. Credits: Yahoo Sports
When Araújo recovered and made his return it was difficult for him to regain his spot in the starting XI, this was one of the reasons he decided to look for options. In Barcelona’s last game, Iñigo Martínez was forced off the pitch as he suffered a tear in the femoral biceps of his right leg and forced the Spaniard to be sidelined for 4 weeks. This was an opportunity for Araújo to get his spot back.
How did Deco turn things around?
Deco asked Araújo about the contract terms he discussed with Juventus, the Italian Giants were desperate to bring Araújo to the club with their manager Thiago Motta directly in contact with the player.
Deco convinced Araújo by highlighting the instant effect on him and the club with his departure. He also expressed the success this season including their Spanish Super Cup victory and impressive European form. Deco also talks about the defender’s connection with the club and how he established himself out of the ranks and made a name for himself at Barcelona.
Araújo being one of the club’s captains earned the least among others, Deco assured that Barcelona will offer a good contract financially after the club’s return to the 1:1 Fair Play regulation.
Araújo agreed to Deco’s proposal, thus ending all the speculation surrounding the player. The next task for the club is to complete the agreement and secure the player.
Why was this important?
I think this should’ve been done a bit earlier as Araújo is extremely important for Barcelona and he will prove this in the coming years. He can build an era at this club and make a name for himself.