Barcelona’s new manager has ‘stopped’ potential Man United transfer dead in its tracks

Hansi Flick’s appointment as the new manager of Barcelona has stopped the potential move of Ronald Araujo to Manchester United.

Manchester United are looking to strengthen their defence by signing multiple centre-halves this summer after a poor season under Erik ten Hag. The team conceded over eighty goals in all competitions last season and used more than 30 different defensive combinations in 52 matches due to injuries.

INEOS have been assessing potential recruits for the 2024 summer transfer window, with Jarrad Branthwaite and Jean-Clair Todibo as primary targets. Recently, Barcelona‘s Ronald Araujo has been mentioned as another option.

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Araujo has made his name at Barcelona of late, with former centre-back and club captain Rio Ferdinand claiming that United should try and sign the 25-year-old.

“The Uruguayan boy at Barcelona – Araujo. Whether he’s gettable or not, I think he’s brilliant. He’s an unreal centre-half,” Ferdinand said earlier this season.

“He has every attribute to be perfect for the Premier League. I’d probably say he’s the standout, but whether he’s gettable or not, I don’t know.”

Although previous reports have stated that United have informed Araujo’s agent they are ready to submit a bid for the player should he hand in a transfer request, it is now expected that the Uruguayan will stay at Camp Nou.

According to Sport, Barcelona’s new manager, Hansi Flick, has personally requested that Araujo stay at the club this summer as he is now an integral part of the German’s future plans.

The report claims that Flick is pushing for contract renewal negotiations to start as soon as possible. Araujo’s contract is set to expire in 2026. He is now expected to stay at Barcelona this summer, stopping any move to United dead in its tracks.