In the past two days, Spanish media "Daily Sports News" exposed a heavy transfer news: Barcelona plans to put the team star Araujo on the market for sale in the winter window and has been actively looking for suitable buyers. It is no coincidence that several giants are just eager to strengthen the central defender position, and they have contacted Barcelona.
Araujo was once highly regarded by the Barcelona management and coaching staff and was cultivated as the core of the defense last season. However, times have changed, and Barcelona's decision to give up on him now is mainly due to two considerations. Firstly, his attendance rate is indeed worrying. This season, Araujo has been plagued by injuries and only played one game for the team. Injuries are worse than tigers, and even if he recovers, it is still unknown how much of his form can be restored. Moreover, Barcelona currently has an abundance of talent in the center-back position, with young players emerging, causing Araujo's playing order to drop significantly. Overall, selling him to recover funds is not an unwise move.
Secondly, Araujo's "explosive" attribute cannot be ignored. Fans familiar with him know that in daily games, Araujo is a top central defender, possessing all the qualities of an excellent central defender. However, in key battles, his rashness and aggressive defensive tactics tend to hold the team back. In the national derby, he made multiple mistakes when facing Vinicius; in last season's crucial match against Paris Saint-Germain, it was because of his recklessness that Barcelona lost the excellent opportunity to advance to the semi-finals. That was the team's first attempt to reach the semi-finals since 2019! Not only that, his verbal confrontation with Gundogan after the game also disrupted the locker room atmosphere, gradually exposing his personality issues.
Despite Araujo's outstanding abilities, Barcelona, after weighing the pros and cons, believes that cashing in is more cost-effective. Moreover, Barcelona's asking price for him is not low. After all, he is a top central defender, hoping to recover around 70 million euros in transfer fees from this Uruguayan star. In today's transfer market, where transfer fees often exceed 100 million euros, locking down such an immediate combat power star for 70 million euros is quite cost-effective.
Currently, Manchester United is the team closest to signing Araujo. The two sides had transfer negotiations before, but at that time, Barcelona took a tough stance and was unwilling to let him go. Now the situation has reversed, and both sides are willing to facilitate this transaction. For Barcelona, the team is deeply mired in financial difficulties. If it can earn 70 million euros in the winter window, it can not only alleviate financial pressure but also strengthen the lineup for the second half of the season through new signings. As for Manchester United, their primary task this season is to optimize the defense line. Lima is diligent, but his physical conditions are slightly insufficient. Araujo is only 25 years old and is conservatively estimated to have another five years of peak performance, but the 70 million euro offer may deter Manchester United.
Now it remains to be seen whether Manchester United really wants to sign Araujo. However, if Barcelona can lower the 70 million euro offer, Manchester United might decisively sign this Uruguayan defensive star.