Barcelona could sell one or two centre-backs this summer, Araujo untransferable – report

Barcelona will be going into the summer transfer window of 2024 ready to make the last of the big changes to their squad as the rebuild continues. Most of the team looks ready, with some changes required in specific positions.

However, to do this, they will have to raise money some way or the other. The Catalans are ready to pull some levers, and sell assets of the club like Barça Studios. But the faster route is to let go of players to raise revenue through sales.

The attack evidently has some holes, like the left wing position or the backup to Robert Lewandowski as the striker. The midfield is also crying out of loud for reinforcements, especially after Gavi’s injury.

The only area from which Barcelona can sell players is the central defence. After reports claiming that the club are ready to activate the buy-back clause of Chadi Riad from Real Betis, is it expected that they will let go of one or two defenders.

According to SPORT, the player(s) likely to be let go is either Jules Kounde or Andreas Christensen.

The case of Inigo and Araujo

Barcelona signed Inigo Martinez on a free transfer this summer, and the player has more than lived up to the task so far this season, putting in excellent shifts against Athletic Club, Porto, and Real Sociedad.

While he will definitely have suitors, no club will want to shell out money to buy a 32-year-old centre-back, who is hardly among the first-choice at his current club. As such, he is expected to retain his spot on the team.

Araujo’s case is simpler. As one of the fan-favourites and the third-choice captain of the team, he is untransferrable.

Christensen and Kounde, meanwhile…

Both Andreas Christensen and Jules Kounde have been solid for Barcelona so far after signing last season. The former at centre-back, and the latter at right-back and centre-back.

At 27 and 25, respectively, the duo are both highly-coveted and rated defenders, and are expected to raise upwards of €60 million each for a transfer.

Several Premier League teams are ready to make an offer for Christensen, especially, even though the player wants to continue at Barcelona.