Ronald Araujo has extended his contract with Barcelona until 2026, with a release clause of 1 billion euros, the club confirmed on Tuesday.
His deal ran until the end of the 2022-23 season, which began on June 30, but he will remain in the La Liga after agreeing to an extension.
“FC Barcelona and the player Ronald Araujo have reached an agreement to renew his contract until 30 June 2026. The buy out clause stipulated is set at €1bn.” Barcelona said in a statement on their official website.
“The signing of the contract will take place on Friday 29 April 1.30 pm local time at the Camp Nou,” Barcelona.
Araujo was expected to leave Spain this summer, after his contract with the Catalan had only one year left. The 23-year-old defender is targeted by many top clubs including Manchester United.
The Uruguayan defender joined Barca in 2018 but mainly played in the youth team in the first period. By the 2019/20 season, he started playing in the first team.
Araujo has made 39 appearances for Barca this season, and scored four goals, including the header in the 4-0 El Clasico win over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“I’m really happy to be able to stay here, to stay for many more years,” Araujo said after renewing.
“It is the fruit of a lot of hard work, so I thank all the coaches who have helped me. When I came to the club and joined the B team, it was a tremendous thing to get to the first team.
“I remember the first time I went to the Camp Nou and I saw how the people cheered for Luis Suarez and my wish was that one day they would cheer for me. My wish now is for many titles to be won here.” he added.
