FC Barcelona’s Araujo Persuaded To Perform Astonishing Transfer U-Turn And Stay, Reports Mundo Deportivo

FC Barcelona star Ronald Araujo is close to changing his mind and staying with his current employers after talks with the club's Sporting Director Deco on Tuesday night according to Mundo Deportivo, which cited anonymous sources.

By Italian newspapers such as La Repubblica, the Uruguayan has been linked with a January move to Juventus for over a week now.

On the eve of the Spanish Super Cup final which Barca won by thrashing Real Madrid 5-2 in Jeddah, Catalan journalist Joan Fontes reported that Araujo had told his fellow skippers he won't renew his contract which expires in mid-2026 in order to join the 'Old Lady'.

According to Mundo Deportivo, though, events that unfolded on Tuesday night in Catalonia now point in the direction of Araujo changing his mind and deciding to stay after all.

Until now, Araujo had still been determined to flee to Italy with President Joan Laporta deemed to have left the exit door "very open" through comments made at a press conference.

"We believe that everyone is very useful for Barcelona and we want Araujo to continue. He is talking to Deco and we will find a solution. We appreciate him on a professional and personal level. There is room to find a solution for everyone," Laporta said, which seemed to also show that there was hope of him staying.

Deco has indeed worked hard on convicning Araujo, who has reportedly "reconsidered his position and is now close to staying".

Furthermore, he could also finally renew his contract in the near future though that matter isn't as urgent for now considering the terms still don't expire for another 17 and a half months or so.

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Over at SPORT, MD's rival - citing anonymous sources - reports that Juventus is close to "throwing in the towel" because Araujo will now stay.

It is believed that Araujo losing his place in the team to Inigo Martinez - who has partnered Pau Cubarsi excellently - while out injured could have been a factor in pushing the 25-year-old to contemplate an exit.

With the Basque now sidelined himself through a torn hamstring, however, Araujo is set to enjoy more prominence than before starting with Wednesday's Copa del Rey last 16 clash against Real Betis in Montjuic.

Seeing how Araujo is received by Culers will be interesting, and what could've been a frosty reception might now warm up considering news of him possibly having a charge of heart which broke in the hours leading up to kick off.