United reportedly interested in Barcelona defender and willing to spend £68 million – however, this seems unlikely at this time!

Manchester United are reportedly willing to spend £68 million on signing Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo this summer, according to Spanish publication, Sport. The 25-year-old central defender can also play in the right-back position, so would make sense at United.

However, this seems unlikely as the rumour poses so many questions for United supporters – one being where would the money be coming from? It seems a lot of money to spend on a player who is at the peak of one of United’s new rules – being 25 years of age.

Araujo, 25, has been a stand out player for Barcelona but their financial difficulties may make them sell some of their stars this summer to make ends meet, so the sale could be an option in that respect. However, with him being an integral player, it may not make sense in that respect.

Araujo’s current contract at Barcelona ends in the summer of 2026 and there were rumours of negotiations for a renewal being put on the back burner. However, now that Hansi Flick is the new manager of Barcelona, things could change and this is just a clickbait article from Spain – shock!

United could spend that kind of money better as they need to strengthen a number of positions at the club this summer. The central defence is an issue with the number of injuries and the fact that Raphael Varane has left the club this summer, the first of a few players in that position maybe?

Araujo has been a target for Chelsea, however, with no manager yet in that role, although reports suggest it will be sorted soon, would it be best for them to pursue Araujo without a manager in the role? They have done in the past but Chelsea’s transfer business needs to be done a lot better.

I do not think there are any legs in this transfer rumour. I would be surprised if something happened with the Uruguayan heading to Old Trafford this summer. He would be a competent player for United to have, but United have more issues to resolve before this find of money is spent.

Erik ten Hag’s future is not yet sorted – he could be given his final season on his contract to make United better, or he could be gone before the new seasons starts. I am sure the club have plans to make signings, as highlighted in Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s new rules, so things should happen soon.

Written by Paul