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Ronald Araujo's discounted release clause expired at midnight, closing a window where the Uruguayan defender could have left Barcelona for 70 million euros.
As of today, any club looking to sign him will face a formidable 1 billion euro barrier, a figure matching the clauses of teammates like Pablo Gavi, Jules Kounde, and Pedri.
This steep increase, part of Araujo's contract extension signed on 23 January until 2031, underscores Barcelona's determination to protect their prized assets.
The 25-year-old centre-back has reaffirmed his loyalty to the Blaugrana. "I'm staying," Ronald Araujo said last week, returning early to pre-season training to quash rumours of a departure.
His commitment was backed by sporting director Deco, who defended the player's value. "Ronald Araujo isn't going anywhere. He faced undue criticism last season and remains one of the world's top defenders," Deco said.
Last season proved tough for Araujo. A summer injury at the Copa América with Uruguay required surgery, sidelining him until January. Under Hansi Flick's management, he struggled to reclaim his spot, with Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez shining in central defence.
Determined to turn the tide, Araujo's early return to training signals his intent to impress Flick. "He's working hard to win back his place," a Barcelona insider shared on X.
The Blaugrana's defensive depth now poses a challenge, with Araujo, Cubarsi, Martinez, Andreas Christensen, and Eric Garcia all competing for centre-back roles, alongside Jules Kounde, who played right-back last term.
X posts suggest Christensen could be the most likely to depart, with users noting interest from English clubs. "Christensen's future looks uncertain, but Barcelona won't let him go for peanuts," one fan posted.
With Araujo's clause now at 1 billion euros, Barcelona have locked in their defensive cornerstone, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive season at the Spotify Camp Nou.
Speculation swirls around Christensen's potential exit, while some X posts question whether Flick will stick with Cubarsi and Martinez or reintegrate Araujo as a starter.
