Barcelona’s recent Champions League semi-final defeat to Inter Milan caused a major stir within the club, with widespread criticism directed at several players. One of the most heavily scrutinized was Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo.
His underwhelming display in the second leg cast serious doubts over his long-term role at the club, leaving his future at Camp Nou hanging in the balance.
Despite being a vital figure in Barcelona’s defense for several seasons, the club’s hierarchy is reportedly considering offloading Araujo as part of their broader squad overhaul.
According to reports from the Spanish outlet El Nacional, new head coach Hansi Flick has already begun drafting plans for the upcoming season and has pinpointed a possible successor for Araujo should he depart.
Flick’s preferred choice is 19-year-old Spanish defender Dean Huijsen, who has been making waves in the Premier League this season while playing for Bournemouth.
Huijsen has impressed both fans and pundits alike with his commanding physical presence, calmness on the ball, and maturity beyond his years. These attributes have not gone unnoticed by Europe’s elite, with clubs like Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Liverpool also monitoring his progress.
What makes Huijsen particularly appealing to Flick is his technical ability and his compatibility with the tactical system the German manager envisions for Barcelona. Additionally, as a young Spanish talent, he fits well into the club’s strategy of building a youthful, homegrown core for the future.
However, Barcelona faces a significant hurdle in securing Huijsen’s services — his market value. Sources close to the player estimate his price tag at around €50 million, a steep figure for a club still dealing with financial constraints. Nevertheless, Barcelona hopes that the potential sale of Araujo, which could bring in between €60 to €70 million, might cover the cost of the young defender’s acquisition.
Yet, the Catalan club is not the only side chasing Huijsen. Real Madrid has also shown interest, viewing him as a potential addition to strengthen their backline. In England, both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly prepared to enter the race as well.
Flick has underlined the importance of adding a dependable, young center-back to the squad if Araujo departs. While satisfied with the performances of Koundé, Christensen, Iñigo Martínez, and Eric García, the Barcelona boss believes Huijsen’s versatility and potential make him an ideal fit for his defensive plans moving forward.
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