Barcelona, Spain — FC Barcelona has officially announced the renewal of Ronald Araújo’s contract, extending his stay with the club for an additional six seasons, which puts an end to ongoing rumors linking him with a potential transfer to Juventus.

On Thursday, the club confirmed that they have secured an agreement with the Uruguayan central defender that will keep him on the team until June 2031. This decision showcases Barcelona’s commitment to retaining one of their key defensive players amid speculation about his future.

The 25-year-old Araújo joined Barcelona in 2018, initially playing with the “B” team before making the leap to the first team during the 2020-21 season. Since then, he has captivated fans and management alike with his impressive performances on the field.

To date, Araújo has made 154 appearances for Barcelona’s senior squad, contributing eight goals and six assists. His defensive prowess has played a significant role in the team’s recent successes, including a Spanish league title and a Copa del Rey trophy.

Further highlighting his growing leadership within the team, Araújo has been named as the second captain for the current season, indicating his importance in the squad both on and off the pitch.