Manchester United are planning to make a strong offer for Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo this summer
Manchester United can save their season by winning the UEFA Europa League. They face Tottenham Hotspur in the final at San Mames in Bilbao on May 21, and the winner of the contest will get a direct entry into the Champions League next season.
If the Red Devils win the Europa League trophy, the money they will receive as a reward for qualifying for the Champions League will be put toward rebuilding Ruben Amorim’s squad, which has faltered in the Premier League and is sitting 15th in the table after 35 games. The defensive unit has been plagued by injuries and inconsistency, leading to the team conceding over 50 goals in the league.
Several changes are set to be made to the roster, including the exits of experienced players on a free transfer at the end of the season. Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof will become free agents in June, and INEOS will want to bring in at least one replacement.
Manchester United are eyeing big changes in the squad in the upcoming summer transfer window after the below-par season in the Premier League. The club will be looking to strengthen their defence as they have let in a lot of goals. Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans might be leaving the club. Moreover, Lisandro Martinez has struggled with injury issues. Hence, the Red Devils need a world-class defender to provide depth to the backline. Fichajes has reported that United have been interested in Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo. The report has revealed that the Red Devils have to pay €60 million to sign the Uruguayan. Araujo is currently not the first-choice centre-back at the club since Hansi Flick prefers the combination of Inigo Martinez and Pau Cubarsi. Manchester United want Ronald Araujo He was linked to a move away from the Camp Nou in winter but managed to sign a new contract till 2031. However, the club might be willing to sell him in the summer if a suitable offer arrives because they are going through financial issues. Ronald Araújo is Barcelona’s defensive colossus, a Uruguayan rock who oozes class and power. He is a lanky presence—dominant in the air, shrugging off strikers like flies. Araujo's pace is startling for a center-back, letting him sweep up danger with ease, while his tackling is crisp and fearless. He is not just a brute; he’s composed on the ball, threading passes with a midfielder’s touch. The Uruguayan's game-reading smarts make him a wall—always a step ahead of attackers. At 26, he possesses old-school defending with modern flair, a leader who is fast becoming one of the world’s elite stoppers. Hence, Araujo will be a good fit for Manchester United. The centre-back has conceded 2 goals and kept 2 clean sheets in 5 matches in the La Liga 2024/2025 season. That means when he is on the pitch, his team concedes a goal every 119 minutes. Moreover, Araujo has made 1.51 tackles and 0.38 interceptions for every 90 minutes he was on the pitch. The Barcelona man has amassed a G/A of 2 so far this season. Is it a good deal? Araujo is one of the best defenders in the world currently and also has a lot of years left in his prime. United will have a big boost if they manage to get hold of the Uruguayan. Araujo will also want to play for a club where he is an undisputed starter, and at United he will definitely be an undisputed starter. So, I will say let's go for the move, as it will be very beneficial for the Red Devils.
Manchester United want Ronald Araujo (Via X)
According to a report from Spanish outlet Fichajes, Barcelona have lowered their asking price for Ronald Araujo in the wake of his poor performance against Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-final second leg. They are open to offers starting at €50 million amid interest from Manchester United, Juventus and Bayern Munich.
It appears Barcelona are facing pressure to sell some of its first-team stars in order to make way for new signings. To that end, the future of Ronald Araujo has been in sharp focus, especially on the back of recent criticism over his performances in the Champions League.
The Uruguayan international, who has been with the Spanish giants since 2018, has fallen behind Inigo Martinez, Pau Cubarsi and Eric Garcia in the pecking order. Despite signing a contract extension earlier this year until 2031, the Catalan side are ready to sell him this summer as part of a ‘strategic opportunity to ease financial tensions’.
Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof gives a hint about his links to Benfica
Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof is out of contract this summer. (Via X)
The aforementioned report adds that Man United’s interest in Araujo has been strong for a while now, and they are ready to make a strong offer for the central defender, who also remains on the radars of Bayern and Juventus.
Araujo is an experienced defender, having racked up over 170 appearances for Barcelona and won five trophies thus far. Predominantly a centre-back, the South American can also play as a right-back. He will fit in perfectly in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system.
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The 26-year-old is a good passer of the ball, can carry it forward, tenacious in the challenge and strong in the air. The ex-Boston River has good leap and can play in a high line. He would be a straight upgrade on Lindelof while bolstering the leaky United defence. All in all, we must not hesitate to go all out for Araujo’s signing.