Ronald Araujo seriously considered leaving Barcelona during the winter transfer window, with Juventus as a potential destination. After recovering from a five-month injury, he found it difficult to reclaim his starting spot, as Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez had solidified their roles in the team. These two defenders perfectly fit Flick’s system and have excellent chemistry.  

However, Araujo ultimately stayed and renewed his contract, albeit with a relatively low release clause allowing him to leave at the end of the season if he desires. Months passed, and Araujo gradually earned minutes but never secured a permanent starting position. Against Borussia Dortmund, Flick, wary of risking Inigo Martinez (who was on a yellow card), fielded Araujo alongside Cubarsi.  

The team’s overall performance was poor, but some players faced more criticism than others—Araujo being one of them. His first-half mistake led to Dortmund’s attacking momentum, and his error in clearing the ball inside the box allowed Gio Reyna to score Dortmund’s third goal, keeping them in contention.  

It’s no secret that Araujo struggles more than Cubarsi and Inigo in executing offside traps and playing out from the back. The Uruguayan excels in recovering from mistakes and is nearly flawless in one-on-one duels. His best moments this season have come when he enters as a substitute, with the team defending deeper. As a starter, opponents target him, knowing his weaknesses.  

As one of the captains, Araujo remains focused on improving and working hard to help the team in the exciting final stretch of the season. Barcelona is in a position to achieve a historic treble. However, there is a fundamental debate about Araujo’s compatibility with Hansi Flick’s proposed style of play.