Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo has said that he is "talking with the club" about a new contract but refused to offer any guarantees when it comes to his long-term future at Camp Nou.
The Uruguay international made his first appearance of the 2024-25 campaign against Barbastro on Saturday evening, helping his side progress to the last-16 stage of the Copa del Rey courtesy of a 4-0 success.
Araujo missed the opening months of the season due to a hamstring injury, which required an operation, but he has been back on the bench for their last two La Liga games against Leganes and Atletico Madrid.
There remains huge uncertainty when it comes to the South American's future, with his contract due to expire in June 2026, and Manchester United and Bayern Munich are believed to be among his admirers.
Araujo has said that discussions are ongoing over the possibility of a new deal, but he was unable to confirm whether he would be remaining with Barcelona on a long-term basis.
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Araujo confirms contract talks are ongoing with Barcelona
"We are talking with the club about my renewal, but I am focused on playing again and getting minutes. Will I continue 100% at Barca? We are talking to the club," Araujo told reporters.
The Uruguayan made the move to Barcelona from Boston River in 2018, and he has represented the Catalan giants on 151 occasions in all competitions, scoring eight goals and registering six assists in the process.
Araujo is now preparing to head to Saudi Arabia with the Barcelona squad for the Spanish Super Cup, with the Catalan side taking on Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals on Wednesday night ahead of a potential final against Real Madrid or Mallorca.
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick confirmed after the clash with Barbastro that Lamine Yamal could be available after a recent ankle issue, while Raphinha is also set to return, having been rested in the Copa del Rey.
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Will Yamal, Raphinha feature for Barcelona in Spanish Super Cup?
"We travel on Monday, we train on Monday in Barcelona and on Tuesday in Saudi Arabia. That's all we have before that game. I think Lamine could be in the game against Athletic," said Flick.
"Raphinha had some problems, he was training well but we decided it was more prudent to save him this trip."
Andreas Christensen is set to make the trip to Saudi Arabia, but the Denmark international is not yet ready to feature, while Marc Bernal and Marc-Andre ter Stegen remain long-term absentees due to serious knee injuries.
Barcelona will not play again in La Liga until January 18 against Getafe, but they could have three games before then - two in the Spanish Super Cup and the last-16 stage of the Copa del Rey, with their opponents in that competition yet to be confirmed.
Matt Law
