Ronald Araujo of Barcelona (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
Two of the biggest clubs in the Premier League made a lunge for a relatively unknown 24-year-old Uruguayan playing in Spain. And when two of the biggest clubs of the most watched football league in the world show an interest in you, you are eventually bound to take up their offer. But that was not the case for Ronald Araujo.
Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo rejected advances from Liverpool and Chelsea in order to remain loyal to the Catalan club.
The Uruguayan centre-back was heavily linked with a Premier League switch when his previous Barca contract was about to expire. But according to Spanish outlet Sport, Araujo spurned huge salary packages offered by the English duo.
Despite interest from Liverpool and Chelsea, Araujo opted to stay at the Camp Nou instead of leaving on a free transfer. The 24-year-old took a pay cut to sign renewed terms as he identified fully with Barcelona’s project.
Araujo prioritized realizing his dream of becoming a Nou Camp icon over earning mega-money elsewhere.
His unwavering commitment convinced Barca’s hierarchy to reward Araujo with improved fresh terms in the near future. They recognize his importance as a present and future leader and want to reflect that in any new contract.
Extending Araujo’s existing deal until 2026 is said to be a priority for Barcelona’s management.
The club knows his loyalty has been invaluable and deserves recognition before his current terms expire. Araujo has developed into one of the world’s elite defenders during his rapid rise at Barcelona.
His combination of physical power and technical ability makes him perfectly suited to leading their backline.
The Uruguayan started his career hometown club Huracán de Rivera from where he moved to Rentistas in 2016. The next year he signed for Primera División side Boston River. More than a year later he moved to Barcelona on a five-year contract.
Barca now hope to build their defence around Araujo for the long term after he snubbed Liverpool and Chelsea’s advances.
The Uruguayan’s commitment to Camp Nou, despite sacrificing finances, means he is set to be central to their rebuild.
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