Manchester United have joined the race for the signature of Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo. Other Premier League giants Liverpool and Chelsea are also keeping tabs on the player’s contract situation at Camp Nou. Araujo has just 18 months remaining on his contract and the Catalan giants are looking to offload the player to ease their financial situation.
The 22-year-old Uruguayan centre-back arrived at Barcelona from Boston River for a transfer fee of just €1.7 million in 2018. But was slotted in the Barcelona B team after his eventful debut where he was sent off for his tackle on Javier Hernandez just after 13 minutes. But this season he has been a first-choice to partner Gerard Pique in the centre of defence ahead of the likes of Clement Lenglet, Samuel Umtiti, and Oscar Mingueza.
Araujo has scored 2 goals in 15 La Liga appearances this season and has been a regular starter in Xavi’s first eleven. He is one of the few players who have been consistent despite the team’s struggle on every front in every competition.
Barcelona are currently sitting in 6th position in the league table with just 32 points from the opening 20 matches. They are just 2 points behind 3rd placed Real Betis but 17 points behind leaders Real Madrid, so any hope for the La Liga title race is already over. They are already out of the Champions League tournament and will be playing in Europa League where they are drawn against Napoli. They also lost to Real Madrid at home in Supercopa de Espana in their last match.
Manchester United Determined On Signing Ronald Araujo This Summer:
According to Spanish outlet Marca, Manchester United and Chelsea are keeping a close eye on players’ contract situation with Barcelona. Araujo is on much less wages compared to his teammates at Camp Nou and is looking for an improved contract offer. But Barcelona are haven’t prioritized any contract extension for him or any other player due to the club’s financial condition.
Barcelona lost many key players last season due to their dire finances but still signed Ferran Torres from Machester City for a reported fee of £46 million two weeks ago. To register their new signing Barcelona were forced to loan out Philippe Coutinho to Aston Villa, who agreed to wage deduction as well. But this was not enough to register Torres, so they had to convince French centre-back Sanuel Umtiti to agree to a contract extension with a significant wage deduction. Now Barcelona can not afford any new signing or contract extension before selling one or two players.
For @MancWorldUK:
Everything you need to know about Manchester United target Ronaldo Araujo and Barcelona's stance on the rumours ⬇️#MUFC https://t.co/ZyAOTWeXHI
— Aiden Beswick (@ABeswickSport) January 17, 2022
Barcelona are looking to make funds available from the sale of key players Ousmane Dembele, Frenkie de Jong, and Sergino Dest this month. If Araujo decides to stay at Barcelona then he has to wait for them to sell a few players first this month or agree to a contract extension with no rise in his low salary. Both Chelsea and Manchester United are capable of offering him much better wages but he is unlikely to get any regular football there. Manchester United have good quality options available in defence despite their struggles this season and are unlikely to push for the Araujo deal before selling either Eric Bailly, Phil Jones, or Victor Lindelof.