With the transfer window now open, United’s search for reliable defenders to rebuild their back line has now begun, with a rumoured new policy at Old Trafford to be focusing on signing homegrown, young players under the age of 25. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s policy is being put in place to try and focus on players who can currently perform at a high level, but still have more potential to grow. With this focus on scouting targets, a lot of big names are now linked to the Premier League club.
The Red Devils have been linked with Everton’s star defender, Jarrad Branthwaite, who’s been valued by the Toffees as between £60 million to £70 million. The signing of the young Englishman received an update this week, with Everton coming under pressure to sell off a big name asset by the end of June in order to meet Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Another name who has personally confirmed talks with United is Jean-Clair Todibo, currently lighting up Ligue 1 for Nice. Todibo is no stranger to United, with the Premier League club’s co-owner INEOS also owning Nice, which has potentially thrown it’s own complications for the two teams now having gained entry to the Europa League.
A new name was added to the list yesterday, with Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah joining the shortlist of defenders who could join United this summer, with the Red Devils eyeing up the youngster for his experience in top tier leagues in England and France in his career so far. Much like Everton, Chelsea are also reported to be looking at offloading Chalobah to meet with PSR, valuing the 24-year-old at £25 million.
Now, Manchester Evening News are reporting another new name on United’s radar in the form of Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo. The Uruguayan defender has been at the Catalan giants since 2018, arriving from Boston River for €4.7 million, playing for their B team for two years before joining the main Barca squad in 2020.
Since making his debut for the senior squad at Camp Nou, Araujo has been a key player for the Spanish outfit, making 150 appearances and even managing to get himself eight goals and five assists. The player has also been recognised internationally, making 16 appearances for the Uruguayan national team, however only missed out on the recent World Cup in 2022 due to an adductor tear injury.
In recent month’s, the 25-year-old’s performances have been rewarded, with Xavi gracing the player with the Captain’s armband on numerous occasions.
While at Barca, Araujo has lifted the Spanish Cup in 2020/21, and both the LaLiga trophy and Spanish Super Cup in 2022/23, making the young defender no stranger to silverware.
Although primarily a centre-back, Araujo’s versatility has been utilised by the Spanish club, with the Uruguayan making 21 appearances in right-back and a further appearance in left-back, making him a great option to provide depth in a squad.
It’s been reported by Spanish publication, Sport, that Barcelona are looking at using the sale of Araujo to raise funds for the years of financial mismanagement that the club has experienced, and as such have put a price tag of £68 million on the young player, which United are reportedly willing to pay.
