The painful knockout against Inter Milan has taken its toll. These Champions League semifinals have greatly impacted the entire staff. Joan Laporta must face several challenges toward the end of the season, starting with Ronald Araújo, the antagonist of the match against the nerozurri.
Since Hansi Flick's arrival, Ronald Araújo is not having his best time at Barça. That promise of a super central defender is now in the past. The accumulation of numerous injuries and poor performance on decisive nights like last night is crucial.
The renewal is not enough for Ronald Araújo
The transfer market is sometimes uncertain and brings surprises. However, the situation with Ronald Araújo and FC Barcelona seems to be more than well thought out. At the moment, the club is not sure that the defender will continue despite his contract until 2031.
The Uruguayan knows he is not an undisputed starter with Hansi Flick in charge. European clubs know this, and offers have already arrived, just as they did in the past, at Joan Laporta's office. This is where Deco comes into play, who has taken care of modifying Ronald Araújo's release clause to 65 million.
Laporta knows that the Red Devils have been after the '4' for a long time, although there is a condition. The signing of the charrúa depends on United's qualification for the Champions League. Rúben Amorim's team is 15th in the Premier League, but winning the Europa League would give them direct access to the Champions League.
Although it is not the best soccer nor their best winning streak, Manchester United goes into the UEFA Europa League return match with confidence. After unexpectedly defeating Athletic Club 0-3, Rúben Amorim's team knows they can have real chances.
The appeal they see in the central defender from Manchester
Manchester United sees Ronald Araújo as their next central defender for the present and future. Physical strength, leadership, and ability are essential pillars that attract a lot from the Theater of Dreams. The defender would be one of the key pieces for the project of United's new owners, INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Despite the club's bad streak, which we can now talk about in terms of more than a decade, Manchester United wants to break it. Signing Ronald Araújo would signal ambition and a desire to start over from scratch and become what they once were.