Latest news with #AchrafBenAyad
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Barcelona star's future for next season is ‘not 100% guaranteed'
A headline member of the defensive ranks at La Liga giants Barcelona is not guaranteed of his place at the club for next season. That's according to Blaugrana insider Achraf Ben Ayad, who points towards Ronald Araújo as the player in question. Advertisement Defender Araújo has of course seen his status in Hansi Flick's squad thrown increasingly into doubt over recent months. After returning from a long-term spell on the sidelines, the Uruguayan struggled to regain his best form, culminating in widespread criticism on the part of the Barcelona faithful. Not only that, but with Pau Cubarsí and Iñigo Martínez now firmly ahead of him in the defensive pecking order at the Camp Nou, some have gone as far as to call for Araújo to be shipped off at the earliest opportunity. And if the latest word stemming from the media is anything to go by, then this is a possibility which Deco and the Barca brass have not yet closed the door to… Advertisement As per a report from journalist Achraf Ben Ayad: 'Araújo's continuation is not 100% guaranteed. If the club receives a significant offer, it will consider the matter.' Conor Laird – GSFN
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Barcelona open to selling defensive stalwart if strong bid arrives
According to journalist Achraf Ben Ayad, Ronald Araujo's future at Barcelona is far from guaranteed. He mentions that the Uruguayan centre-back, considered one of the club's most valuable assets, may be sacrificed this summer if the right offer arrives. Advertisement Barcelona's financial difficulties are well documented, and with the club needing to generate around €50 million before making new signings, Araujo represents a tempting option for an essential cash injection. Although the club and player publicly continue to show mutual commitment, the details behind the scenes paint a different picture. A clause in Araujo's contract, coming into effect on July 1, will lower his €1 billion release clause to just €65 million for a ten-day period. That limited-time opportunity creates a potential storm of interest from top European clubs looking to pounce on a defender of his calibre at what would be considered a bargain in today's market. It is no accident Ronald Araujo could leave Barcelona. (Photo by) Advertisement The drop in the buyout clause was likely not inserted by accident. It reflects a clear strategy by either the player's camp, the club, or both to leave the door open for a possible departure without causing public tension. If Barcelona were fully determined to keep Araujo, such a clause simply would not exist in the first place. And from Araujo's side, if he were 100% committed to continuing, he could have negotiated differently. Defense will be trimmed With Barcelona already overloaded at centre-back, the club may see this as the right moment to part with one of its stars for the greater financial good. Advertisement Hansi Flick already has options like Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen, and Inigo Martinez in the squad. That makes Araujo a luxury Barcelona might not be able to afford, especially given his strong market value. The next few weeks, especially between July 1–10, will be decisive. Multiple clubs are expected to circle, and while Araujo will have no shortage of suitors, Barcelona's willingness to listen suggests that everything is on the table.
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Camp Nou update: Barcelona confirm good progress as work on pitch begins
The renovations at Spotify Camp Nou have not gone as per the schedule initially drawn out and has put Barcelona in a fix. The Catalans were initially expected to play the second half of the season back at the historic stadium, but constant delays in the work now leave its availability in serious doubt with a potential return only spoken of in the month of May. As relayed in a recent update by Achraf Ben Ayad, Barcelona confirm that the work at Camp Nou is progressing well. Further, the report also adds that work has begun on preparing the steps for the new pitch in what comes as a massive update for the club. As relayed earlier this week, the Catalans have received an assurance from the construction company that the stadium will be available for the first team's use towards the end of the season. Currently, the plan is for Barcelona's final two games of La Liga against Real Madrid and Villarreal to be held at the Spotify Camp Nou, although there is still doubt over whether it will be available for El Clasico. In the meantime, Joan Laporta and Co. have reached an agreement with the City Council of Barcelona to allow construction work to progress at the Spotify Camp Nou 24 hours a day. It has served to boost the renovations and all work is being put to ensure it is available in time for El Clasico. Barcelona have received the green light to use Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys until May 30, but their priority is to return to Spotify Camp Nou before the season ends.
