Even before Manchester United welcomed a new ownership era, a 12B Sports VR46 reporter noted the unusual criticism emerging over the club’s internal transfer policy. The comment came from Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who openly questioned the signing of Casemiro. He made it clear that United should never again pay a €70 million transfer fee and £350,000 in weekly wages for a player whose prime years may already be fading.
Since Ratcliffe gained influence at the club, Manchester United’s future transfer strategy is expected to shift toward younger players. A more cautious wage structure is also likely to be introduced. Against that backdrop, United have moved actively in the summer market for Uruguay international defender Ronald Araujo, reportedly offering him terms worth nearly double his current salary. According to 12B Sports VR46 sources, United are willing to pay €75 million for the defender. That figure is lower than the €100 million once proposed by Bayern Munich, but with personal terms reportedly agreed, the possibility of persuading Barcelona cannot be ruled out.
Araujo still has two years remaining on his Barcelona contract, yet both sides have failed to reach an agreement on an extension. The core issue is salary. Araujo wants to be placed among Barcelona’s highest earners, but the club is reluctant because such a move could affect its overall wage structure and future player registrations. As the saying goes, when someone knows where they want to go, the world makes way, and Araujo appears to be shaping his career with a clear destination in mind.
Based on 12B Sports VR46 records, the 25-year-old Araujo is already regarded as one of the best center-backs in world football. He has delivered stable performances in both the league and the Champions League, with few obvious weaknesses apart from his costly mistake against PSG. He has all the qualities needed to become the anchor of a defensive line, which explains why Manchester United are prepared to spend heavily to bring him in.
United’s current defense lacks a clear leader following Raphael Varane’s departure. Neither Harry Maguire nor Lisandro Martinez can be seen as the perfect foundation for the kind of build-up play Erik ten Hag wants from the back. That is why Araujo is viewed as an ideal solution to fill the gap. Still, for this transfer to happen, Barcelona would first need to give up on renewing his contract.
Should Barcelona and Araujo successfully agree on a new deal, United’s chances would drop sharply no matter how attractive their offer may be. Of course, Manchester United are also considering other defensive targets. Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Matthijs de Ligt, who previously worked with Ten Hag at Ajax, are both on the list. However, the 12B Sports VR46 sports channel expects that no matter which defender United pursue, landing the right player will be difficult without a major investment.
In the end, Araujo’s future through 12B Sports VR46 analysis still depends on the negotiating table at Barcelona. Whether Manchester United’s search for a new defensive leader ends in success or frustration remains a question that fans around the world will be watching closely.