SUMMARY
- Despite Barca's rough patch, Araujo has impressed fans with his loyalty and defensive prowess.
- Reportedly, the reigning Bundesliga champions FC Bayern Munich is plotting a move for Ronald Araujo.
Ronald Araujo has been one of the biggest revelations for FC Barcelona. The Uruguayan defender has been a rock-solid protection in Barca’s defense. It is known that Barca is going through a rough patch, but even then, Araujo has impressed Barca fans with his undying loyalty and passion for the club. His excellent performances however have caused worries for the Barca board.
📲| Ronald Araujo on instagram.
“Work, consistency and strong mind. They don’t fail. I am happy for you my friend. 🦈” pic.twitter.com/oE3JVQmK8Z
— Barça Buzz (@Barca_Buzz) January 22, 2024
A lot of clubs are interested in the 24-year-old defender and the Catalan club’s tough financial situation has further complicated the matter. Reportedly, the reigning Bundesliga champions FC Bayern Munich is plotting a move for Ronald Araujo.
Deco comments on FC Bayern Munich’s rumored interest in Ronald Araujo
However, Deco, the Sporting Director of FC Barcelona has played the rumors. The club considers Araujo to be a very key player. The Catalan club is going through a rebuild and would not want to lose the crucial Uruguayan. Barca will do anything to keep Ronald Araujo happy at the club. The club has refused to listen to any offers for the Uruguayan defender.
🔵🔴 Barça director Deco: “Bayern want Ronald Araújo? We are not considering selling him. He’s not for sale”.
“He’s one of the key players for Barça future”.
“We want him to be happy and this is shown on a day-to-day basis. There’s nothing to talk about”, told Movistar. pic.twitter.com/mXv4Qo28Kc
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 22, 2024
Deco, in an interview, made the club’s stance clear. The Portuguese said, “Bayern want Ronald Araújo? We are not considering selling him. He’s not for sale. He’s one of the key players for Barça future”.
Deco also declared that the club wants Ronald Araujo to be happy at FC Barcelona and the club is doing its very best to achieve that. FC Bayern’s interest in the club has risen following the Uruguayan’s excellent performance for the Catalan club. This has alerted a lot of clubs, who are willing to negotiate with Barca.
Manchester United and FC Bayern are the two clubs interested in signing Araujo
‘The Red Devils’ look keen on signing the 24-year-old. Manchester United have had a very injury-ravaged defensive line in the 23/24 season. The preferred center-back duo of their coach Erik ten Hag of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane have been both out injured since the beginning of the season. Harry Maguire, who showed promise of late also sustained an injury in December 2023.
The unavailability of Victor Lindelof has further complicated matters. Therefore, United desperately wants a center-back that could fit in right into the club. According to Sky Germany (via Goal), Manchester United is the latest club to show interest in Ronald Araujo after initial interest from FC Bayern Munich.
🚨| NEW: Manchester United have enquired about Ronald Araujo. He would cost over €80m this month and the player wants to stay in January. He remains on United’s list for the summer.
A move in the summer is not out of the question for Matthijs de Ligt at Bayern Munich. Erik ten… pic.twitter.com/ZcZ3OU6dtx
— Manchester United Forever (@Utd_Forever7) January 15, 2024
Bayern’s coach Thomas Tuchel is reportedly, a big fan of the Uruguayan and wants to bring him to Bavaria. But, FC Barcelona’s high valuation of $88 million of Araujo, has disappointed the FC Bayern Munich board. Ronald Araujo has a $1.16 billion release clause into his FC Barcelona contract that runs until 2026.
Since a bid incoming in the January transfer window of 2024 is unlikely, both United and Bayern might fight it out in the summer transfer window.