Although he is one of the most important defenders in the FC Barcelona team, Ronald Araujo’s future at the Catalan club is highly uncertain.
In recent months, the Uruguayan defender has been receiving interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe, including Bayern Munich and Manchester United.
Furthermore, he is also involved in negotiations for a new contract with FC Barcelona. As these negotiations remain inconclusive, doubts about his continuity at the Catalan club have increased.
However, as SPORT has reported, recent movements in the European market have somewhat decreased the likelihood of Araujo leaving Barcelona this summer. This is particularly the case as Manchester United have signed Leny Yoro from Lille, one of the most in-demand young defenders in this market.
The Red Devils had not tried to hide their intentions about signing a top-level defender this summer, irrespective of the costs that such an operation would involve.
Previously, Real Madrid and PSG were emerging as the most likely candidates to land the Frenchman. However, Manchester United made the push in recent days, and Ten Haag convinced the defender to join him in England.
With Manchester United now out of the race and Real Madrid already one of the unlikeliest options for him, the possibility of a move for Araujo this summer is significantly reduced. Only a select few clubs can pay more than €70 million for a defender, and one of those clubs can be safely eliminated from this list.
Furthermore, other big clubs looking for a defender, like Juventus, West Ham United, and some other Premier League sides, are more interested in the former Barcelona defender, Jean-Claire Tobido.
Thus, in addition to preventing a quality defender from joining their direct rivals in La Liga, this deal between Manchester United and Lille will also help Barcelona keep hold of their prized asset.
