Robert Lewandowski was seen trying to convince Ronald Araujo to stay on at Barcelona following the side’s Spanish Super Cup victory over Real Madrid at the weekend.
Barca ran out comprehensive 5-2 winners to get their hands on the trophy for a second time in three years, with Lamine Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha (2) and Alejandro Balde all hitting the target in Saudi Arabia.
An injury to Inigo Martinez forced Hansi Flick into an early change at Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports City Stadium and Araujo was introduced for only his second appearance of the season.
Araujo could be forgiven for being a little distracted in the build-up to Sunday’s El Clasico given his future has been the subject of intense speculation ever since the January transfer window opened for business.
The Uruguayan central defender has just 18 months remaining on his current contract with Barca and reports in Spain have suggested he is actively seeking a fresh challenge away from the Camp Nou.
Juventus have been credited with a strong interest in recent weeks, while Arsenal are also believed to be monitoring the situation ahead of a possible transfer offer.
But Araujo managed to block out the noise and produced an outstanding performance at the heart of Barca’s defence to secure his fourth piece of silverware with the Catalan giants.
Pictures after the game showed Araujo soaking up the moment with the rest of Flick’s jubilant squad, with Barca midfielder Gavi instructing Barca’s travelling fans to applaud the centre-back for his efforts after the final whistle.
In a separate video, Barcelona striker Lewandowski was seen putting his arm around Araujo’s shoulder and doing his very best to warn his team-mate off a move this winter.
‘Ronald… you have to stay,’ Lewandowski told Araujo, according to Spanish football show El Dia Despues.
‘You’re staying, you’re staying now, new contract.’
It’s claimed the veteran Pole later added: ‘You can play around at the end of the season.
‘It’s better for you to play now. You play here.’
Speaking to Spanish radio station Cadena SER earlier this month, Araujo reassured Barcelona fans that discussions over a possible renewal were ongoing.
‘We are talking with the club about my renewal,’ he explained.
‘But I am fully focused on playing again and getting minutes under my belt.’
Pressed on whether he was 100 per cent committed to continuing with Barca, he bluntly repeated: ‘We are talking to the club.’
Facing the media ahead of Barca’s win, Flick made it clear he had no interest in losing Araujo, who he described as ‘one of the best defenders’ in the game.
‘I want Araujo in my team because he is one of the best defenders,’ Flick told reporters.
‘He’s a professional and is now fit, having recovered from his injury, so he can help us.’
The Barca head coach added: ‘I have told the team that there is only outside noise, you have to be cohesive and strong. It’s a great season, we’ve done well in general, although we haven’t reached the points we wanted.
‘It’s good to learn from all the games and this is the objective. We have to be focused. We played well for the club and we can do better. It’s what we want.’
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