Araujo Took a Pay Cut to Leave Barça

Ronald Araujo accepted a pay cut to make his loan move to Liverpool possible, according to Sky Sports. Liverpool will pay no loan fee to Barcelona but will cover the Uruguayan’s salary for the entire season. The agreement also includes an option to buy worth around €55m.

It is quite a turnaround for a player who not long ago was considered one of the pillars of Barça’s defence. Araujo wanted a fresh start badly enough to accept lower wages, and after completing the move he described Liverpool as the right step at this point in his career. Once their interest arrived, he said, the deal moved very quickly.

For Barcelona, the immediate benefit is obvious: Araujo’s entire salary is off their books for the season, while Liverpool have the chance to make the move permanent for €55m next summer. Barça receive nothing for the loan itself, but they lose a significant wage and move on a player who was no longer part of Hansi Flick’s plans.

A Spanish champion and Barça captain taking a pay cut to get out, while the club celebrates the financial breathing room his departure creates. Things can change quickly in Barcelona. Sometimes frighteningly quickly.