Barcelona is going through a period of anticipation regarding its moves in the winter transfer market, as the matter mainly depends on the extent of Uruguayan defender Ronald Araújo’s physical and mental readiness.
The Catalan team is still acting very cautiously before taking any step, waiting for developments in Araújo’s condition in the coming weeks, as it is not yet clear whether the player will be able to regain his usual level in time.
According to the Spanish newspaper “Sport,” Barcelona is not currently planning to make any signings during January, at least until Araújo’s situation becomes clear.
The newspaper clarified that the club’s decision is largely related to the defender’s recovery, who has been going through a difficult phase since his dismissal in the match against Chelsea (0-3) at Stamford Bridge, a moment that clearly affected the course of the second half.
Psychological pressures push Barcelona to give the player a rest
The psychological pressures to which the player was exposed as a result of that incident prompted the Barcelona management to give him a period of rest, with the aim of restoring his self-confidence and mental balance. Since then, Araújo has not participated in any match, and the club prefers to wait and not rush into making any decisions that may seem hasty.
Araújo is considered one of the most important players in the team’s defense line, thanks to his physical strength and ability to intervene strongly against attackers, in addition to his leadership role in the dressing room.
Therefore, the sports management believes that the defender’s return to full physical fitness will greatly reduce the need to sign a new player in this position, making entering the winter transfer market unnecessary if he recovers.
Flick and Deco’s confidence in the player’s ability to return
Coach Hans Flick and sporting director Deco continue to show complete confidence in Araújo, considering him an irreplaceable element. The decisions also affect the busy schedule that awaits the team, as Barcelona prepares to play crucial matches in the Spanish League and the Champions League, in addition to the Spanish Super Cup and the Copa del Rey, which begins in January.
Araújo’s return to his full level represents great support for Flick, who at the same time realizes that he needs the player in his best condition, which makes him postpone any move in the transfer market until the picture becomes completely clear.
