Barcelona consider selling 25-year-old star valued at €70 million in January transfer window: Reports

Barcelona are considering selling highly rated defender Ronald Araujo in the upcoming January transfer window, according to Spanish outlet El Nacional. The centre-back is close to making a return to the first team after a lengthy injury layoff due to a hamstring issue.

The 25-year-old center-back underwent surgery on his right hamstring in July after suffering a knock with Uruguay at the 2024 Copa America. According to Mundo Deportivo, the player is in the final stretch of his recovery.

However, the Uruguayan will face the uphill task of breaking into Hansi Flick's first team upon return, as the defensive partnership of Iñigo Martínez and Pau Cubarsi has been solid in recent weeks.

According to El Nacional, Barcelona are willing to sell Araujo in the upcoming January transfer window. Sporting director Deco is reportedly exploring the European market at the moment and could be ready to accept a fee in the region of €70 million for the highly rated defender. Araujo's sale would also help La Blaugrana deal with their ongoing financial difficulties.

Barca's defense will also be bolstered when Andreas Christensen makes his return from injury, which could make them more open to letting Araujo go. The defender has played 150 games across competitions for the Catalans, helping keep 58 clean sheets in them.

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Barcelona star speaks positively about his imminent return from injury

Barca vice-captain Araujo has been out of action for the last three months after picking up a hamstring injury while on international duty with the Uruguay national team. The 25-year-old is recovering and could be back by late November, as per reports.

Araujo has expressed optimism about his upcoming return and vowed to come back stronger than ever. When asked how his recovery process has been, as quoted by Barca Universal, he said:

“I’m progressing very well and that makes me happy. It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve learned a lot, both physically and mentally. The recovery is going well. I’m very happy, the club is surprised by how I’m doing. I’m going to come back like a bull."

Barcelona will face Bayern Munich in their next fixture on Wednesday, October 23, followed by a trip to Madrid for El Clasico on Saturday, 26 October.