According to the Spanish newspaper AS, Manchester United is among the teams hoping to recruit Barcelona center-back Ronald Araujo this summer.

The Uruguayan international’s contract with the Blaugrana is now set to expire in the summer of 2026, but his future after that is uncertain.

About €100 million is required by the dominant La Liga team to balance their accounts. There are rumors that a “painful” high-profile exit may occur during the upcoming transfer window.

Araujo has been named as one of the people who may obtain the fee, according to AS (page 17).

Among his fans are United and Bayern Munich, who are willing to place a big wager on him by offering ideas that may “significantly” increase his pay.

Man United shouldn’t overpay for Araujo.
Raphael Varane’s contract is set to expire at the end of June, therefore the Red Devils are getting ready for his possible exit. There are no renewal negotiations scheduled.

A younger center back in the peak of his career may be brought in by United to replace him. Given that Araujo and Varane have many of the same skills, they would be a perfect fit.


He is a powerful center defender with exceptional ball control and aerial presence. This season, the 25-year-old has won 65% of his duels and completed over 90% of his passes.

Araujo has also shown great skill at clearing balls and recovering them. He is a better option than Varane and likes to play as a right center back.

Nevertheless, United shouldn’t overpay for the center back. Similar to Varane, Araujo has a propensity to sustain transient ailments throughout his career.

For about €50 million, a deal might make sense, but for more than that, he may be a dangerous buy.

Increasing his €134,000 weekly wage should not be an issue for United, but they also shouldn’t risk being held hostage while trying to sign the South American player.