No longer untouchable – Serious concerns at Barcelona over defender after costly mistakes vs Inter | OneFootball

It was in the 76th minute that FC Barcelona manager Hansi Flick was forced to remove Inigo Martinez, due to discomfort, and introduce Ronald Araujo on the pitch against Inter Milan.

It proved to be a pivotal moment as the Uruguayan international was culpable for the last two goals that Barça conceded leading to their ouster from the UEFA Champions League at the semi-final stage.

The first mistake came in stoppage time when he could not beat 37-year-old Francesco Acerbi in a duel as the veteran defender made it 3-3 to send the game into extra time.

In extra time, the Barcelona captain was dragged out of position by Marcus Thuram and could not stop the Frenchman from making a decisive inroad into the box before Davide Frattesi won it for Inter.

Barcelona growing concerned over Araujo

Now, according to SPORT, concerns are growing within the Barcelona camp over Araujo. Once seen as defensively very reliable, that is now in doubt.

“It is one thing after another,” say sources inside the dressing room, where his red card against PSG in the return leg of the Champions League quarter-finals last season, which cost the team, is still remembered.

Araujo’s lapses cost Barcelona again. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Former Barcelona midfielder Ilkay Gundogan was critical of Araujo after that incident and brought it back a few months ago after leaving the club again, saying: “If you are not prepared to admit your mistakes, you cannot succeed.”

Both before and after his contract renewal, Araujo has appeared unfocused. His lapses are becoming too frequent and are damaging the team’s chances against top European opponents.

The responsibility is shared among the entire team, and it would be unfair to place blame solely on Araujo. However, within the club, there is growing concern over his declining form.

Araujo no longer non-transferable

In fact, the report even goes on to state that Araujo is now among the players considered transferable, especially after his agents sought offers during his contract renewal negotiations with the club. His release clause also reflects this stance.

Unlike the typical high-barrier clauses, the defender’s new deal was structured to encourage interest: €65 million for the first ten days of the 2025 summer transfer window, reverting to €1 billion after that.

Flick still counts on him and values his distinct profile in the heart of defence, but Barcelona are not ruling out any possible outcome