International news

Will Iñigo Martínez’s injury block Araújo’s €50M Juventus transfer?

13. January 2025
Ronald Araujo (foto: Getty Images)
Ronald Araújo’s potential transfer to Juventus is at risk after Iñigo Martínez’s injury in the Supercopa final. Barcelona fans urge the club to keep the Uruguayan defender.

A potential transfer of Ronald Araújo from Barcelona to Juventus, which seemed close to completion just days ago, now hangs in the balance after a significant shift in circumstances during the El Clásico Supercopa final.

Barcelona and Juventus were reportedly negotiating a €50 million deal for the Uruguayan defender, with multiple sources in Italy and Spain suggesting that both clubs were nearing an agreement. Several factors supported the deal: Araújo’s struggles with injuries this season, Barcelona’s reliance on the Iñigo Martínez – Pau Cubarsi pairing, and the club’s financial struggles.

However, the Supercopa final changed the outlook. Iñigo Martínez suffered an injury just 25 minutes into the match, sidelining him for at least a month, while Araújo, playing in just his second game after recovering from injury, showcased his immense value to the team. Araújo’s performance reignited calls from fans on social media, urging the club not to sell the defender.

The 24-year-old Uruguayan fueled speculation with a post-match social media update featuring photos from the game and the caption "supercampeones"—a gesture unusual for a player supposedly on the brink of leaving.

Barcelona currently has five central defenders: Pau Cubarsi, Araújo, Martínez, Eric García, and Andreas Christensen. García and Christensen are expected to depart by the summer, and losing Araújo now, amidst injury concerns, would leave coach Hansi Flick with limited defensive options.

Italian journalist Matteo Moretto has reported that Juventus is ready to pay €50 million for Araújo. Despite this offer, Barcelona faces a dilemma as Araújo’s contract expires next year, and the player has yet to show interest in renewing it. The club must decide whether to cash in now or risk losing him for a lower fee—or even for free—in the near future.

 

Nogomania.com
United by football.

Nogomania.com is a premier destination for football enthusiasts, delivering fresh and in-depth content from the heart of the Ex-Yu region's football scene.

COMPANY INFO
TERMS AND CONDITIONS