‘Hope to be here for years’: 22-year-old appears to have no interest in Everton move

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Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo has all but ruled out a move to Everton, telling Goal he hopes to stay at the La Liga giants for the long term.

When it comes to raiding Camp Nou, Everton certainly have history.

In the space of just 12 months between 2018 and 2019, the Toffees snapped up Andre Gomes, Yerry Mina and Lucas Digne.

But signing three high-earning, transfer-listed bench-warmers is one thing; raiding Barca for a player who has risen through the ranks at a rate of knots, coming out of nowhere to establish himself as one of Europe’s most promising young centre-backs, is another challenge entirely.

Arajuo breaks through at Barcelona

Araujo finished a breakthrough 2020/21 campaign with 24 La Liga appearances to his name.

And the Uruguay international has caught the eye of Everton, according to Mundo Deportivo.

But while the arrival of Eric Garcia and Gerard Pique’s return to fitness could see Araujo’s progress stall in Catalonia, the 22-year-old has no interest in walking away so soon after forcing his way into the first-team picture.

“I’m very happy to be at Barcelona. I hope to be here for many years and give my best in each season,” Araujo said, while suggesting a contract extension may be on the cards.

Former Everton coach is a big fan

“I don’t know much about the renewal, my representative takes care of that. I’m calm but I hope to be able to continue at the club.”

Former Everton coach Ronald Koeman is a big fan of the “excellent” Araujo.

But, as confusion reigns over the Dutchman’s prospects at Barcelona, it remains to be seen whether Araujo’s future is tied to that of his manager.