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5 hours ago
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Barcelona boss Hansi Flick is calm over the club's summer transfer plans.
The former Bayern Munich head coach has enjoyed a sensational first season in charge in Catalonia with a trophy treble secured for La Blaugrana.
Flick masterminded his side to four successive victories over Real Madrid - which propelled his team to the La Liga title - alongside the Copa del Rey and Spanish Supercup trophies.
Changes are expected in the summer with Flick reportedly highlighting a new forward as a key priority.
Liverpool winger Luis Diaz and Manchester United attacker Marcus Rashford have been floated as possible options but no clear stance has been taken yet.
Flick offered a update on several players ahead of the final game of the campaign at Athletic Club on May 25 including his confidence over a contract renewal being secured for Lamine Yamal.
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Elsewhere in his squad, Flick also stated his determination to retain Ronald Araujo, amid lingering Premier League interest in the Uruguay international.
Ronald Araujo's Barcelona contract, release clause
Araujo has seen his game time reduced this season, due to a mix of injuries and the rise of teenage star Pau Cubarsi, with the Spain star preferred as Inigo Martinez's first-choice defensive partner.
That has opened the door to a potential exit despite his current contract in Barcelona running until 2031.
That extension was signed at the start of 2025, with a view to protect his transfer value, but with a unique clause included in the new deal.
For the first two weeks of June, interested clubs can activate an exit option for £65m [$88m] but only in that brief window.
Despite the option to sell him, and bring in a much-needed financial boost, Flick has insisted Araujo remains a key part of his plans for next season.
"He’ll stay, he has a contract here. I have 100% confidence in him. It’s been a tough season for him. It hasn’t been easy,” as per quotes from Relevo.
"Cubarsí and Iñigo have had a fantastic season, it hasn’t been easy for Araujo to come in and show his quality, but I have a lot of confidence, and he’ll definitely improve when the new season starts."
Flick's message is clear, but Araujo still faces a battle to break that partnership, despite Martinez turning 34 earlier this month.
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