FC Barcelona no longer have time to dwell on the possibilities that they cannot pursue. The Catalan club knows their financial limitations and must act according to them. For this reason, not every target that Barcelona currently has would be considered a feasible one for them.
Almost every major target has its alternatives, and Barcelona have carefully picked them out. Especially when it comes to the left-wing position, Barça have many names on the table and are looking to find the best possible solution for themselves.
Their priority target remains Nico Williams, the standout star from Athletic Club who is currently impressing greatly at the European Championship in Germany. Playing alongside the likes of other Barcelona stars such as Lamine Yamal and Pedri, he has formed a formidable partnership with those players.
However, every main target must have a contingency plan given how uncertain the market can be. For Barcelona, according to SPORT, that ‘Plan B’ for Nico Williams is none other than Maximiliano Araujo, a left-footed winger who currently plays for Mexican side Toluca and the Uruguayan National team as well.
Aged 24, he is a versatile player who is adept at playing both as a left-winger and as a left-back. Currently representing Uruguay at the Copa America, he is impressing at the South American competition as he mirrors the progression of Nico Williams over in Europe to catch the eye of Barcelona.
However, if Barcelona are truly interested in signing the player, they may have to pursue him quicker given that there is a possibility that he may end up being poached by some other club.
Toluca is a big club over in Liga MX, and they are aware of the interest that is being generated in their player. Sides from the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and even Liga NOS are all interested in him.
However, news from Mexico suggests that there is an understanding about which sides would actually be able to afford the €20 million release clause for the player currently being considered as a low-cost option by FC Barcelona:
“Currently, only a few teams can afford to buy Maxi, and Toluca will only sell him for the release clause. We are talking about €20 million, and generally, only Premier League teams, the top five teams in Germany, and the top clubs in Italy and Spain, as well as the three big teams in Portugal, can afford that amount.”
Time may be running out for Barcelona to sign Araujo, but they would need to make a decision. Recent reports have suggested that the Catalan club will be going all out for Nico Williams and he remains their only priority. For this reason, the future of the Toluca star may end up not materializing in Catalonia.
