Barcelona's alternative plan for defensive reinforcements if captain recovers | Barca Universal

"Internally, the message is clear that if Araujo returns properly and is able to play normally for the remainder of the season, Barça will not move for a top-level, high-cost centre-back in the transfer market. Instead, the club would shift its focus towards signing a young, left-sided central defender with very high potential. This would allow Barcelona to strengthen the squad in a more sustainable way, without committing to a major financial outlay at a time when economic balance remains a priority."

"At present, Barcelona have not set a defined timeline for Araujo's return. Even so, the club continue to count on him fully as part of the project. Bringing the Uruguayan back is considered the ideal outcome, not only for sporting reasons, but also for what he represents inside the dressing room. There is also a financial angle that cannot be ignored. If Araujo can re-establish himself, Barcelona would avoid the need to invest heavily in a new defensive leader."

"However, the situation is far from straightforward. Unlike muscle or ligament injuries, where recovery timelines are usually clearer, this case involves mental well-being. That makes forecasting far more complex. Within the club, there is an understanding that issues affecting the psyche are unpredictable, both in terms of recovery and the risk of relapse. As a result, speculation around exact return dates is being avoided."

Barcelona's planning for next season depends heavily on Ronald Araujo's recovery and availability. If Araujo returns fully and can play normally, the club will forego signing a top-level, costly centre-back. The club would instead target a young, left-sided central defender with high potential to strengthen the squad sustainably while preserving economic balance. No defined timeline has been set for Araujo's return, but the club continues to count on him as part of the project and values his dressing-room influence. The injury involves mental well-being, making recovery and relapse unpredictable and complicating forecasting. Speculation around exact return dates is being avoided.

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