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Manchester United are ramping up their efforts to sign Ronald Araujo by offering the defender “double” the wage he currently earns at Barcelona, according to a report from Spain.
SPORT, a daily sports paper in Catalonia, reveals the Red Devils have put a “lot of pressure in the last few hours” to convince the Uruguayan international to swap Spain for England, though his preference remains to stay with the Blaugrana side.
Araujo’s contract expires in 2026 meaning this summer would be the last opportunity for Barcelona to command a significant transfer fee for the centre-back.
And while a new contract has been proposed to the 25-year-old with improved terms on his current deal as Barcelona wish to keep their star defender and captain, there has been “no response” from his representatives.
Barcelona’s hierarchy want a resolution by June 30 with growing acceptance that if Araujo does not agree an extension imminently, they “may be forced to negotiate” his departure this summer.
The Spanish giants continue to face acute pressure economically and Araujo’s sale – which would require a bid in excess of €75 million – would be a considerable boost to the club’s finances.
From United’s perspective, the report contends Old Trafford executives are waiting to see how contract negotiations play out between Araujo and Barcelona.
Only if these fail, and the player communicates his willingness to consider an approach by the Red Devils, will they then make a move.
SPORT reveals United would be willing to offer Araujo a considerable financial package to join the INEOS revolution at Old Trafford. They would “double” his current wages with Barcelona, believed to be worth around £125,000 according to Salary Sport.
The recently departed Raphael Varane, who Araujo would be replacing in Erik ten Hag’s squad, was on more than £300,000 a week so there would easily be enough room in United’s wage bill to accommodate this move.
And while the potential transfer fee (more than £63 million) would stretch a budget which is already seriously constrained by the pressures of the Premier League’s profits and sustainability rules (PSR), Araujo is the type of world-class talent it is worth breaking the bank for.
This becomes even truer when you consider his age, his top-level experience, his leadership qualities, and the fact he’s the exact type of centre-back desperately needed at Old Trafford.
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