The classical rivalry between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid dates back in time. The rivalry is so fierce that players of these respective clubs would often be caught in a brawl when both teams meet in the iconic El Clasico. Hence, it is not typical for a Real Madrid player to passionately compliment a Barcelona player like Araujo.
Ronald Araujo’s contribution to the Barcelona squad is immense. Hence, Barcelona would go a significant extent, tying him down to a new contract amidst interests from Premier League teams like Manchester United and Liverpool. Araujo is now set to sign a contract that will keep him at the club till 2026
Valverde’s unexpected applause for Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo
The rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid has often been seen to extend to the players of respective clubs. Hence it was such a big shocker when Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos became buddies at PSG; that was a phenomenon no one could have dreamt of because both players were always at a logger heads, when they both respectively represented the Blaugrana and Los Blancos badges.
Another such ecstatic event took place recently when Valverde of Real Madrid showered warm compliments on Araujo of Barcelona. Both players have phenomenal qualities for both teams. And naturally, considering their respective affiliations, you would not see them singing each other’s praises.
Valverde, extolling the brilliance of Araujo, said, “I’m fascinated by Ronald; I’ve always said it. I love him, and he’s also Uruguayan and a good friend of mine.” When asked about the worst player in Barcelona, Valverde did not want to get involved.
“I’m not going to say any bad player because they all deserve to be where they are and work for it. I respect them all,” he added.
However, it is not so surprising that Valverde would sing the praises of his FC Barcelona rival, like he did; they are fellow countrymen hence why their nativity would occasionally overshadow their club side rivalry.
Araujo signs new Barcelona contract, includes billion-dollar release clause
Upon the expiration of Araujo’s deal earlier in 2023, FC Barcelona has been trying to get the player into a new contract, and they have hoped it would be a long-term contract. Hence, Barcelona was not expecting him to come cheap, considering Araujo’s great impact on the Barcelona defense.
Barca’s initial offer to Araujo was worth around €5 million annually, with sources saying the money on offer from the Premier League sides was worth almost double, but the Uruguay International expressed that his intention was to remain at Camp Nou.
Both sides have now finally reached a compromise, with Ronald Araujo agreeing to sign a new contract at Barcelona, keeping him at the club till 2026, with a €1 billion (£840m/$1.1bn) release clause.
“FC Barcelona and the player Ronald Araujo have reached an agreement to renew his contract until 30 June 2026. The buyout clause stipulated is set at €1bn,” the club announced.
“The signing of the new contract will take place on Friday, 29 April, at 1.30 pm CEST on the field at Camp Nou.”
