Xavi responds to rumours about possible summer exit for key Barcelona player
Barca must sell some players to comply with FFP rules.
Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez has insisted that Ronald Araujo is “happy here” amid widespread speculation about the defender’s future.
Reports in Spain have claimed that both Bayern Munich and Manchester United are keen to sign Araujo, 25.
Xavi was asked about those rumours at a press conference on Wednesday.
As quoted by Fabrizio Romano, Xavi responded: “I always talk with Roni and he knows what I think. There are zero doubts on his future on my side.
“He knows what I want for his future and he’s happy here.”
Araujo has been a key player for Barcelona since becoming a first-team regular in the 2020/21 campaign.
This season, only Ilkay Gundogan, Jules Kounde, Robert Lewandowski, Joao Cancelo and goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen have played more La Liga minutes for Xavi’s side than the Uruguayan defender.
Although Xavi is clearly determined to keep Araujo, some players must leave Barcelona this summer to help the club comply with FFP rules.
One of Barca’s most sellable assets is seemingly 19-year-old Brazil forward Vitor Roque, who only moved to Catalonia in January.
But Romano said on Monday in an exclusive column: “[Barca sporting director] Deco has not decided anything on the future of Vitor Roque yet.
“There will be a meeting between all parties in the next days, discussions will follow with all parties involved to decide on the player’s future. Some patience is needed on this case among many, many rumours.
“Still, with Financial Fair Play concerns, Barcelona will have to sell some players this summer of course.
“However, for now I can guarantee they have not decided anything yet, every day on media it looks like one player is leaving but the reality is that at the moment it’s still quiet.
“For example, Ansu Fati remains one of the players expected to leave and let’s see what kind of proposals they will receive for Raphinha.”