Several Barcelona stars have been linked with a move to Manchester United in previous years.
Despite numerous shortcomings in recent years, both clubs are trying to achieve the biggest honours in football.
In 2011, Barcelona defeated Manchester United in the Champions League, winning 3-1 with goals from Pedro, Lionel Messi and David Villa.
United were well beaten at Wembley as Barcelona secured their fourth Champions League title. The La Liga giants won the European Cup once more since then, in 2015, which is more recent than United’s previous Champions League triumph in 2008.
Barcelona won’t reach those heights again unless they can keep their best players and add to the quality of Hansi Flick’s squad. The Catalan side have improved under the German coach this season and they’re currently sat on top of the La Liga table.
Ronald Araujo of FC Barcelona warms up prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and CD Leganes at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on ...
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Barcelona warn duo with Manchester United transfer links
Two figures in the Barcelona dressing have regularly featured in the Manchester United gossip columns in recent years.
For example, Frenkie de Jong once dominated headlines for an entire summer after Erik ten Hag made him a primary target in his first transfer window as Manchester United manager.
United went to extreme lengths to sign De Jong, with Ten Hag ending up frustrated at the failed transfer pursuit.
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Uruguay international Ronald Araujo is linked with United whenever the club targets defensive reinforcements.
However, Barcelona want to avoid having players enter the final years of their contract and have issued an ultimatum to De Jong and Araujo.
According to Sport, Barcelona has warned De Jong and Araujo that players who want to stay must reach renewal agreements or they will be transfer-listed. Their contract expire in 2026 and talks are underway.
The report adds that Barcelona are optimistic in both cases, having spoken with the players on a personal level.
Time for Manchester United to move on from Frenkie de Jong
Now that Erik ten Hag has gone, the fascination with De Jong could end.
It became an unhealthy obsession during Ten Hag’s first summer at the club. It counts as wasted time now because United never secured a deal.
Under Ineos and a new look structure, we can safely suspect that United will change its approach in the market. They have already done this by prioritising younger players in the market.
De Jong (27) and Araujo (25) are not old players, but Barcelona’s valuation demands could force clubs to seek alternatives.
United need to sign a top-class left wing-back in 2025 because it has arguably been our most problematic area in the team this season.
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