Rijo Sam Daniel
Transfer News: Manchester United target Ronald Araujo rejects contract offer from Barcelona amidst Liverpool interest
According to transfer news on Spanish publication Sport, Manchester United transfer target Ronald Araujo has rejected an offer from Barcelona over a contract extension amidst interest from Liverpool. He has been a glowing presence even at times when others alongside him have struggled in defence.
Araujo has a contract with the Catalan club until 2023, which has seen clubs from the Premier League gather around to try and sign him. Despite his performances, he earns a measly €900,000 in wages and is one of the lowest earners in the first-team squad. Chelsea have shown an interest to get his services alongside Man United and the Reds.
The Uruguayan wants to be valued by Barca by giving him a salary that meets the level of his displays. The defender understands the financial turmoil the club is going through, so he suggested they give a similar deal to what Ansu Fati, Pedri and Ferran Torres earn at the moment. He is open to staying if his contract demands are met by the club.
Negotiations over a renewal have taken place, and the Spanish side has made their first offer to the 22-year-old. The latest offer from their side was around €3million, which is significantly less than the €6million that the centre-back’s peers earn. Naturally, he has rejected the proposal but, it is expected that they would return with an improved contract since the first one was just a simple trial.
Does Man Utd have a chance?
Prising the youngsters away from the Blaugrana club would be challenging, considering the rebuild they are going through right now. They are the backbone of the new project, so they have an environment where minutes are easily available while playing at the highest level.
However, we have an opportunity for a raid if Joan Laporta fails to get them out of their financial plight since it would hinder the La Liga side during these contract talks. We hope that there will be a favourable situation for us next summer when the Uruguay international enters the final year of his contract.
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However, just like the Red Devils, Jurgen Klopp’s side and the Blues are willing to try their cards in the summer transfer window. A move this month would be difficult, considering how Xavi Hernandez’s side are battling to gain hold over the Champions League places.
The Uruguay star’s preference is to stay with his current club, so there needs to be a situation where both parties cannot agree to an extension in the coming months. That would give us the necessary boost next summer when the Manchester club would receive more of a chance to get his signature ahead of next season.
