In teams such as Barça, which always compete for titles and have busy schedules, it is difficult to earn a place in the starting lineup, as they tend to have large, competitive squads that reduce the chances of many players who would be undisputed starters on other teams. Currently, although Flick boasts about teamwork, the truth is that there is a clear A and B team, although it is true that both are performing outstandingly, as demonstrated against Real Valladolid.
Hansi Flick’s untouchables
Hansi Flick’s most recognizable starting eleven, with all his players available, consists of Szczesny, Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarsí, Iñigo Martínez, Alejandro Balde, De Jong, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Lewandowski. This would be the preferred starting eleven, which has varied throughout the season due to injuries or rest, with players such as Ferran Torres, Gavi, Fermín, and Araujo coming in at the back. In recent weeks, with two of the squad’s most prolific players, Koundé and Balde, out of action, Gerard Martín and Eric García have enjoyed greater prominence. A team with many variables and alternatives.
Doubts about Araújo
Ronald Araújo’s season has gone from strength to strength in terms of prominence… but not in terms of performance. The center back was on the verge of leaving the team a few months ago, specifically for Juventus in Serie A. Íñigo Martínez’s injury led Barça to decide to do everything possible to retain the player. Thus, after lengthy negotiations and appealing to sentiment and titles, Deco, the club’s sporting director, managed to convince the player to renew until June 2031.
However, given the possibility of a turn of events, the Uruguayan insisted on removing the billion-dollar clause from his contract and set a new one that is much more affordable for any team that might be interested in the player. Specifically, a clause of 65 million was set. With this move, Araújo ensured that he would be able to leave in the future, and he did well because in recent months he has been relegated to the sidelines.
This was certainly the case with the return of Íñigo Martínez. Hansi Flick’s favorite pairing to occupy the center of the defense is Cubarsí and Íñigo Martínez. However, after being ostracised and relegated to the sidelines in recent weeks due to physical problems among the regulars and the coach’s decision to rest players ahead of big games, he has been given more playing time. But everything changed again against Inter. The player took the center-back position in place of the aforementioned Íñigo Martínez and was involved in both of Inter’s last two goals, which eliminated Flick’s team from the Champions League.
New suitor on the horizon
The player has several suitors ahead of the summer transfer window. Several Premier League teams have had him on their radar in recent months. Among them are Liverpool and Arsenal, with figures of around €65-70 million being mentioned. A price that, if he does not leave in the summer, will rise to €80 million. Bayern Munich has once again put Ronald Araújo’s name on its transfer list. The German club is considering investing €65 million to seal his signing during the summer transfer window.
In addition, in the last few hours, new interest has emerged. According to Football365, Manchester United are also tracking the center back. The aforementioned media outlet claims that the Red Devils would only consider signing the player if they secure a Champions League spot by winning the Europa League. Barça’s financial need and the financial clout of the suitors open up the possibility of a sale in the summer.