Federico Valverde is a key figure for Real Madrid this season and has been delivering exceptional performances since joining the team in 2018. The Uruguayan midfielder has gained significant influence in the Real Madrid locker room and holds considerable respect from the club’s president, Florentino Pérez.
According to the Spanish newspaper Defensa Central, Valverde has a strong bond with Barcelona defender Ronald Araújo. Although Real Madrid expressed interest in Araújo before his transfer to Barcelona, they did not take concrete steps to acquire him at that time.
Araújo’s contract with Barcelona runs until June 30, 2026, and with him being only 25 years old, he is a highly attractive prospect for many clubs. However, Barcelona is demanding over 100 million euros for his transfer, which might be a considerable amount for some clubs. The report further notes that Valverde has suggested to Real Madrid that they should consider signing Araújo, which could represent a significant defensive upgrade for the team.
Araújo’s injury during the Copa America, which sidelined him for several months, made clubs cautious about pursuing him during the last summer transfer window. As a result, if Araújo decides to renew his contract with Barcelona, the summer of 2025 might be the final opportunity for the club to secure a substantial return on his transfer before his contract expires.
Conversely, the high transfer fee could deter clubs interested in acquiring Araújo, as they might choose to wait until 2026 to sign him as a free agent, which would give them better leverage in negotiations. Barcelona is likely keen to avoid selling Araújo to Real Madrid, preferring to transfer him to any other team rather than their historic rivals.
As a result, Real Madrid’s prospects of signing Araújo might be restricted, and they may need to wait until he becomes a free agent in 2026, a scenario that is not typical for players.Federico Valverde has indeed become a crucial player for Real Madrid, and his influence extends beyond the pitch. His close friendship with Barcelona defender Ronald Araújo is noteworthy, especially given the rivalry between their clubs. The bond they share could play a role in transfer speculation, as Valverde reportedly suggested to Real Madrid’s management that they should pursue Araújo to strengthen their defense.
However, several factors complicate such a move. Araújo’s contract with Barcelona runs until 2026, and the club is demanding over €100 million for his transfer, making him an expensive target. Additionally, Barcelona would likely resist selling one of their key players to their biggest rival. Araújo’s injury history, particularly his setback during the Copa America, adds another layer of caution for clubs evaluating his long-term fitness.
While Real Madrid may have to wait until Araújo becomes a free agent in 2026 to secure a deal under more favorable conditions, this could also allow other clubs to enter the race. Barcelona would likely push to renew his contract before then to avoid losing him for free, and if they sell, they would likely prefer to transfer him outside La Liga to prevent strengthening a direct competitor like Real Madrid.
In conclusion, while Valverde’s suggestion might hold weight within Real Madrid, the transfer would be difficult to pull off due to the rivalry between the clubs, the high transfer fee, and Araújo’s contract situation.
