He Stays!! Hansi Flick clarifies Ronald Araujo transfer rumours

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has dismissed the possibility of defender Ronald Araujo leaving the Spanish champion this summer.

Araujo who signed a six-year contract extension in January has been linked with a move away from Barcelona following an injury-plagued campaign at the Catalan club. Premier League and Italian sides had been linked to the 26-year-old.

Various report have also claimed Barcelona’s current overload in defense will force one defender to leave this summer.

Ronald Araujo has been tipped to leave FC Barcelona this summer (Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)

Sporting director Deco also confirmed the reports. Due to injury, Araujo and Andreas Christensen spent much of last season on the sidelines, the club relied on Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez in the heart of the defence.

While it’s looking like Christensen will be asked to leave, La Vanguardia reports Araujo could ask to leave should he feel he will not be given a chance.

Flick, though, has suggested the Uruguay international will remain, telling reporters: “Ronald? There are always many rumours about Araujo, but I have no news or any sign that he wants to leave. I have a great team, with a lot of quality. We have doubled all positions and in some I even have three players. It’s not easy to manage, of course, but I’m happy.”

He added: “I’m surprised this is coming from Ronald. I’m very happy with the team I have.”

Araujo has been linked with AC Milan in the past and recently Spanish media claimed he might be sold to Liverpool.

Despite all the rumors, the defender himself declared earlier this month that he wants to stay at the Catalan outfit.

He is currently part of the squad in South Korea and featured in their first pre-season game against Vissel Kobe last week, albeit from the bench. Barca are set to play their second game tomorrow against Korean top-tier club FC Seoul.