From Spain – Man Utd plotting €100m onslaught for ‘one of the best defenders in the world’ | OneFootball

Manchester United are reportedly considering an audacious bid for Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo next summer.

The 25-year-old has been developing his game in Catalunya since 2018 when he first joined the club’s B-Team. The Uruguayan has been part of the senior squad since 2020, and has now established himself as a stalwart for the club. Legendary Barca captain Carles Puyol went on to describe him as ‘one of the best defenders in the world’, while Real Madrid superstar Vinicius named him as his toughest opponent.

But sadly for Araujo, the first half of his campaign was wrecked by injury, so Hansi Flick built his backline around Pau Cubrasi and Inigo Martinez during his absence. Therefore, the Uruguay international was heavily linked with an exit in January, as Juventus were reportedly close to sealing the deal.

Nevertheless, Barcelona Sporting Director Deco managed to convince him to stay and even pen a new deal until June 2031.

Man United prepared to splash the cash for Ronald Araujo?

(Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO / AFP)

But despite the contract renewal, Araujo’s future could still lie away from Camp Nou, especially if he doesn’t regain his starting berth under Flick between now and the end of the season.

So according to Fichajes.net, Man Utd are ready to pounce on the opportunity and sell out an offer worth €100 million to sign the Barcelona centre-back. As the source explains, Ruben Amorim would like to have a genuine leader like Araujo at the back, as he would be able to raise the quality of the backline.

Nevertheless, the source warns that failing to reach the Champions League could play against the Red Devils. The club currently lies 15th in the Premier League table, so they’re much closer to relegation than European spots. But they can still book their place in Europe’s elite club competition if they manage to clinch the Europa League.