After Inigo Martinez got injured during Barca’s annihilation of Real Madrid in the Super Copa de Espana, Araujo was substituted in. The centre-back had a solid performance for the rest of the game and didn’t let the men in white get comfortable around Barca’s box.
Lip readers catch a conversation during celebration
According to a report by Sport Lip readers managed to catch this conversation during yesterday’s celebration:
Lewandowski: “Ronald, you have to stay man. At least until the end of the season. You’ll play here, you’ll see.”
Araujo while shaking his head: “Brother⊔
The conversation suggests that the centre-back is still not convinced about his stay at Barcelona despite his teammates’ efforts to persuade him.
“If Lewandowski is telling Araujo “you have to stay” after the final, it means he has already told them that he wants to leave”. says Fernando Polo from Mundo Deportivo.
Laporta is hopeful of convincing Araujo to stay
In a press conference after the dominating victory, Joan Laporta was inquired about the future of Ronald Araujo.
Joan Laporta: “We want Ronald to stay. We appreciate him very much, both professionally, and personally. We have a very direct relationship. For some circumstances, which I don’t want to say, he is now talking to the sporting area. There is still room for a solution”
After Successfully tackling the Dani Olmo Saga, Barca’s President now hopes to secure the stay of the Urugyuan defender.
Inigo sidelined for 3 weeks: Araujo’s time to shine?
Probably the only negative news that came out of the 5-2 win in the final was Inigo Martinez picking up an injury. The Spanish centre-back is expected to be out for at least 5 weeks. This presents a chance for Araujo to prove himself to Hansi Flick as he will no doubt be the favourite to start every match in his absence. This can turn his career around at Barca and regain his position as the starting centre-back for the Blaugrana. Araujo being a fast defender can also help Barca recover possession when the Offside trap fails.
