After the convincing and overwhelming victory of FC Barcelona in the Copa del Rey against Real Betis (5-1), Gavi confirmed in the mixed zone that Ronald Araújo will stay in Catalonia.

The FC Barcelona transfer market had a big twist this week. Although it had been rumored that Ronald Araújo was on the verge of joining Juventus, the Uruguayan center-back reportedly decided to stay at the Catalan club after a key conversation with Deco, the sporting director. The Barcelona management convinced the defender to continue his journey with the club by assuring him that his role is crucial in the project, especially after the recent injury of Iñigo Martínez, which will give him significant playing time in the coming weeks. In addition, his teammates have shown their support for Araújo, who is a key figure in the locker room.

As a result, the expected departure in this winter transfer window seems to be off the table. What's more, the chances of Araújo extending his contract with FC Barcelona, which runs until 2026, have greatly increased. For those still doubting the reports recently revealed by Mundo Deportivo, Gavi confirmed the trend on Wednesday night. Speaking to the media after the decisive Copa del Rey victory, the midfielder announced that his teammate would stay in Catalonia. "Barça fans can be calm. A lot of journalists make things up, but Araújo is going to stay," Gavi confidently stated.

"He stays"

“There are a lot of rumors in the press, but many of them are false. I've always had faith that Ronald would stay,” Gavi continued, putting an end to any potential departure of a player who has recently returned from injury but is determined to reassert himself in the central defense alongside Pau Cubarsí. "He stays." That was the message sent by the Catalan press this Wednesday, and it was confirmed by Gavi in a statement that will undoubtedly reassure FC Barcelona fans. It seems that the Ronald Araújo situation is now closed.