Manchester United are reportedly preparing a blockbuster summer bid to sign Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo—around €80 million (about £68 million)—according to Fichajes.
Earlier reports even spoke of an ambitious €100 million offer in play.
Araujo extended his contract with Barça until 2031, but financial strains at Camp Nou may force their hand.
Despite the new deal, sources claim the club could cash in to balance the book. The report suggests they’d accept offers starting at €60 million (£50 million) in certain circumstances as per CaughtOffside report.
United see Araujo, now 26 and 6ft 3in, as the long-term defensive leader they’ve craved. Quick, strong in the air, commanding on the pitch—he ticks their box for Premier League domination.
Under Ruben Amorim, defensively fragile United view him as the reset button they need.
But caution shadows the deal. United’s backline already includes Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro and Noussair Mazraoui—and veteran exits like Lindelof and Evans loom in the summer.
Pouring £50m+ into one defender may hamper their ability to rebuild elsewhere.
There are concerns too over Araujo’s decision-making—he’s faced criticism for occasional defensive lapses and fitness issues this season.
The subplot is there: Juventus and Bayern have circled in earlier windows. United might need to produce more than just money—they’ll need Champions League football and a convincing project.
As Barça wrestle with finance and registration hurdles, selling might become logic over loyalty.
This bid isn’t just a transfer. It’s about urgency, identity, purpose.
Araujo to Old Trafford would mean more than a new centre‑back—he’d be the face of United’s defensive turnaround.