Luis Suarez convinced Barcelona star to reject offers and stay at the club this summer - Reports
Former Barcelona star Luis Suarez reportedly convinced his compatriot Ronald Araujo to stay at Camp Nou this summer. As claimed by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo via Football Espana, the Uruguayan legend ensured that the Blaugrana keep their star defender this summer despite strong interest in his services.
Araujo was strongly tipped for an exit from Barca, with the likes of Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and Manchester United reportedly interested in him. With the Catalan giants' ongoing financial struggles, the Uruguay international was linked with a potential €100 million exit.
However, the 25-year-old stayed put at Barcelona, snubbing approaches from several European giants. It has now been revealed that Luis Suarez played a key role in persuading Araujo to remain at Camp Nou.
Araujo is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury and is yet to feature this season for Barca. Barcelona are reportedly looking to tie their star defender down with a long-term deal with his current contract expiring in June 2026.
Araujo is widely regarded as one of the finest centre-backs in world football at present. Signed for just reported €4.7 million from Boston River in 2018, the ball-playing defender has established himself as a key player for the Blaugrana.
Araujo has made 150 appearances in all competitions for Barca, helping the Spanish giants win three trophies, including one La Liga title. He is capped 20 times for Uruguay so far.
Luis Suarez, meanwhile, spent six years at Barcelona, registering 195 goals and 113 assists in 283 appearances across competitions. The Inter Miami striker helped the Blaugrana win four La Liga titles and one Champions League among other honors.
Barcelona and Bayern Munich target opens up on his future
Bayer Leverkusen star Jonathan Tah has opened up on his future amid interest from Barcelona and Bayern Munich. The Germany international stayed at the BayArena this summer despite plenty of interest in his services.
Tah has revealed that he will not renew his deal with Bayer Leverkusen and will leave on a free transfer next summer. The 25-year-old told German media outlet SZ, via Fabrizio Romano:
“I’m NOT gonna sign a new deal at Bayer Leverkusen. My decision is made. I will give my best until the end here and then we will see about my future club. But my decision is to go and try different experience”.
Tah enjoyed a stellar season for Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen last time out as they won both the Bundesliga title and DFB Pokal. Die Werkself stayed unbeaten domestically, with Tah leading their backline
The German has been on the books of Bayer Leverkusen since 2015 joining the club from Hamburger SV in a reported €7.5 million deal. The 28-year-old has made 357 appearances across competitions for the Bundesliga outfit while earning 29 caps for Germany.