Manchester United has set Ronald Araújo as their main target to strengthen the defense in the upcoming summer market. According to El Nacional, the English team is willing to present an offer that exceeds the 65 million established in the clause of the Uruguayan center-back.
However, the completion of this operation depends on a key condition: that United manages to win the Europa League and, with it, secure their participation in the next edition of the Champions League. Without European qualification, the investment in Araújo would be unfeasible for the club's finances.
Ronald Araújo: The Chosen One at Manchester United
Ronald Araújo, 26 years old, has lost prominence at Barcelona under Flick's management, who has opted for other options in the center of the defense. This situation has created uncertainty about the defender's future, despite his recent contract renewal until 2031.
Barça, meanwhile, has rejected previous offers for the player, including one of 50 million euros from PSG. From FC Barcelona, they insist that any interested club must pay the 65 million in a single payment, as clearly stated in his clause.
With Manchester United's possible qualification for the Champions League, the proposal for Ronald Araújo could materialize, which would represent one of the most notable operations of the upcoming transfer market.
Manchester United: A Project in Free Fall
Manchester United is going through one of the worst seasons in their recent history. With only a few matches left in the Premier, the team led by Amorim is in the 14th position of the table... Far from the European spots and completely detached from the fight for direct qualification to the next edition of the Champions League.
Despite the change of ownership and the arrival of INEOS with Sir Jim Ratcliffe at the helm, the English entity still fails to recover.
The only real way United has to access the top continental competition is by winning the Europa League. A huge challenge that reflects the sporting failure of a project that hasn't managed to work, despite the strong investments made in the market. Identity problems, the poor performance of key signings, and continuous injuries have weighed down a squad that doesn't respond on the field.
Meanwhile, their fans are starting to lose patience and the media pressure is growing. The immediate future of the club depends on a European miracle. If they don't achieve that goal, the project could blow up in the summer. Everything is at stake at Old Trafford, including the possible signing of Ronald Araújo.