Manchester United and Liverpool are unlikely to make a move for Barcelona’s defensive mainstay, Ronald Araujo, despite recent links.
Ronaldo Araujo’s future has been a big talking point in the recent past. While he is a key figure in Barcelona’s first team, they could still look to cash in on him because of their financial situation. Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked with the South American defensive sensation, but according to a report from TEAMtalk, neither Premier League will push for his signature.
Araujo joined the Catalan giants back in 2018. He went up the ranks at some pace and got promoted to their first team towards the end of 2020 and hasn’t looked back since. He has been one of their mainstays at the back in the recent past.
But of late, things haven’t been that great for him, as he is no longer an undisputed starter under Hansi Flick. While he was sidelined with injury, Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez delivered consistent performances, earning the trust of the German manager. Since then, Flick has been rotating between the three.
Despite the slight change in role, Araujo remains an integral part of their plans. While he has been linked with a move away from the club over the past six months, Barcelona did hand him a new deal at the start of the year, extending his stay until 2031.
The Catalan giants have certainly secured his long-term future, but that hasn’t completely ruled out the possibility of him making a move this summer. The report suggests Barcelona could still cash in on him if they receive an offer in excess of €65 million.
Will Araujo move to the Premier League?
Manchester United and Liverpool have emerged as two potential destinations for the 26-year-old. Both Premier League giants have been linked with him of late, as they seem to be in need of a new central defender.
United could part ways with Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof this summer, and they could look to bring in at least another central defender. Although they’ve been linked with Araújo, the report indicates those claims are off the mark, with their priority being the signing of a top-class striker.
Even if Evans and Lindelof leave, they won’t go after a new centre-back. It will become more of a priority if Harry Maguire ends up leaving. Even then, they would target Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, who has been on their wishlist for some time.
Meanwhile, Liverpool could be in the market for a world-class centre-back as Virgil van Dijk’s contract is running out, and he could leave the club as a free agent. His departure could leave a major void. While Araujo could be a great option for them and they have been linked with him in the past, Liverpool have never felt that the Uruguayan international would part ways with Barcelona.
