Changes happening in FC Barcelona

In a report by a Spanish newspaper on Wednesday, it was disclosed that Edmondo Capicci and Eduardo Crnjak, representing Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, alongside Roberto De Zerbi, the manager of Brighton, arrived in the Catalan city this afternoon to hold discussions with the Barcelona sporting management.

According to Spanish newspaper "Mundo Deportivo," the visit of Araujo's representatives to Barcelona was premeditated, highlighting the club's priority to extend the contract of the Uruguayan defender amidst interest from Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and Manchester United.

Araujo's current contract, set to expire in the summer of 2026, is not subject to sale by the club, notwithstanding potential lucrative offers.

The newspaper affirms that retaining Araujo is paramount, given his role as the linchpin of Barcelona's defense in the forthcoming years, with negotiations underway to prolong his contract for an additional season.

Furthermore, the presence of Roberto De Zerbi, the Brighton manager, in these discussions fuels speculation about his potential involvement with Barcelona. With Xavi Hernandez's impending departure, De Zerbi emerges as one of the prominent candidates to succeed him. Talks regarding the Italian coach's future role at the club are anticipated during the meeting with Barcelona's management.

Amidst the ongoing developments, Barcelona finds itself in a state of transition. The departure of Xavi Hernandez, announced following the team's 5-3 defeat against Villarreal, marks the end of an era for the Catalan giants. Xavi, a revered figure in Barcelona's history, expressed his decision to leave at the end of the current season, citing the need for a fresh perspective. Despite leading Barcelona to league victory last season, Xavi faced mounting criticism this season due to the team's inconsistent performances and results on the field. His departure comes after Barcelona endured a string of defeats, including the recent loss to Villarreal, where Xavi hinted at feeling undervalued by the club's management.