Hansi Flick loses patience with Barcelona defender; asks for his exit – report

Story byHansi Flick loses patience with Barcelona defender; asks for his exit – reportBarca UniversalThu, January 15, 2026 at 8:20 AM UTC·2 min readBarcelona could be heading towards a major defensive decision, with a fresh report suggesting that Hansi Flick has already made up his mind on one of the club’s most high-profile defenders. According to information revealed by Fichajes, the German has requested the exit of Ronald Araujo, a move that would mark a significant turning point in Barcelona’s summer rebuild. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe report claims Flick is unconvinced by Araujo’s performances since his return to competitive action. While the Uruguayan centre-back was once viewed as a defensive pillar, concerns have reportedly grown within the coaching staff regarding his reliability, availability, and overall impact on the pitch. Flick is said to feel that Araujo has not reached the level of consistency required to anchor Barcelona’s defence during decisive moments. Flick is not convincedA key issue highlighted is Araujo’s repeated absences and a noticeable drop in performance standards. For a coach who places heavy emphasis on discipline, tactical execution, and day-to-day intensity, these factors appear to have eroded Flick’s trust. Araujo’s time could be nearing its end. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/)AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementEven though Joan Laporta has urged patience with the defender, the opinion from the sporting department is different. Both the coaching staff and the sporting director, Deco, are said to be aligned on this matter. From their perspective, Araujo’s cycle at the club is nearing its end, and freeing up salary space has become a priority. Different prioritiesAs such, Barcelona are keen to invest in a top-level centre-back who can offer immediate guarantees, leadership, and durability across a demanding season. With Inigo Martinez gone, the expectation was for Araujo to step up as the defensive leader. Instead, his contribution has been viewed as underwhelming. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBarcelona are competing for every major title, and Flick is believed to value players who earn trust through daily performances and consistency in high-pressure situations. At this stage, Araujo’s status is no longer untouchable.