Barcelona star's release clause slashed for 14 days as Premier League clubs put on red alert by bizarre window

The release clause of a Barcelona star has been slashed significantly but only for a limited amount of time as part of a unique window.

Though clubs participating in the FIFA Club World Cup were able to sign players in a special period, the La Liga transfer window officially opens on July 1 and runs until September 1.

But the day also marks a change in the contract situation for Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, who will see his buyout clause reduced.

After spending his holidays in his native Uruguay and getting married following on from international commitments, the 26-year-old has been back in Barcelona and is due to start pre-season ahead of many of his teammates after making a request to start earlier.

He is due to be back training on Tuesday but on that very same day, Mundo Deportivo are reporting that his release clause will drop to €60 million.

Clubs on alert as Barca star's release clause drops

It means that for a 14-day period which ends on July 15, clubs can sign Araujo for a much cheaper fee.

In the January window, the former Boston River man was courted by both Arsenal and Juventus but then committed his future by signing a contract extension with the Blaugrana until 2031.

Ronald Araujo's release clause drops for 14 days. Image: Getty

Araujo, who is being paid €429,000 in deferred wages by Barcelona, is still counted on by Barca boss Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco called him "one of he best centre backs in the world" and said he wanted to "improve the team, not worsen it" when asked about the Uruguayan's future.

Barcelona completed their first signing of the summer window on 18 June when they snapped up goalkeeper Joan Garcia from Catalan rivals Espanyol, triggering his €25 million release clause and handing him a six-year contract.

They are poised to continue their business with the huge capture of Nico Williams from Athletic Club. The Spain international has a €62 million release clause which Barca are set to activate and partner him with Lamine Yamal on the flanks.

The new star of Barca, Yamal is to sign a lucrative new deal when he turns 18 and will take on the iconic No.10 shirt.