FC Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez calls young defender Ronald Araujo a star of present and future

FC Barcelona despite all their financial struggles have a great roster full of talented youngsters coming up from the La Masia. One such player who has graduated from the fabled academy and has made a name for himself in the starting eleven is Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo.

Therefore the Blaugrana are looking to extend his contract. In the last few weeks, Barcelona have already penned contract extensions with Ansu Fati and Pedri Gonzalez as they understand that these are the players for their future. Araujo also falls in that category. Araujo’s traits are way beyond his years and he has that leadership capability to guide the backline. So maybe he can be a leader for the Cules in future.

Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez already sees him as a star for the present and future. The Uruguayan’s contract ends with Barcelona at the end of 2023 so they need to act quickly and get the contract renewed as fast as possible. There are already some of the top clubs looking to lure him away from Barcelona and even out of Spain. But the youngster wants to stay at Camp Nou and considers the club as his first option.

The 22-year-old centre back has been one of the most mature players coming up from the La Masia in recent years. He is already one of the stalwarts in defence for Barcelona and Xavi is well aware of Araujo’s talent.

In a recent interview, the Barcelona manager revealed that renewing Araujo’s contract is a priority for the Catalans as they are doing everything to convince the youngster to sign the contract. Xavi also pointed out Araujo’s winning mentality something that will help in the coming years.

“His (Ronald Araujo) renewal is a priority. He is a very important piece in our gear. He has a winning and positive character. It is very important that they can reach an agreement quickly because he is a player for the present and future. I am very happy with his performance and how he is off the pitch; this type of footballer is greatly appreciated and Ronald is a guy who adds a lot”. Xavi revealed.

Apart from Araujo, Barcelona also wanted to renew the contract of Ousmane Dembele. The talks of signing a new deal has been going on for a long time but nothing has materialised for the Catalans. Therefore recently Xavi revealed that despite the Frenchman being their priority, they will let him go. Considering his contract condition the Catalans may sell the talented French winger in the January transfer window.