Barcelona director Deco has made it clear that selling Ronald Araujo would be a mistake for the La Liga giants.
It was previously reported by Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg that Manchester United were among a list of top clubs that have informed Barcelona that they would be interested in signing the highly-rated Uruguay international, with the current La Liga champions still battling with financial issues.
🔴🆕 News Ronald #Araujo: ManUtd have inquired about the 24 y/o! #MUFC informed about transfer fee and contract details …
➡️ They received the same information as Bayern: The transfer package in winter would be over €80 million. And Araujo wants to stay at Barca in winter…… pic.twitter.com/Z9ihbpVWXt
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) January 15, 2024
However, there was also a suggestion in the press that Barcelona would try to raise funds for the potential arrival of Kylian Mbappe from PSG, even though the French star looks likely to join their rivals Real Madrid in the summer.
One way Barcelona could free up funding for Mbappe would be cashing in on Araujo and Frenkie de Jong, but Deco has spoken out against the idea and stresses that he would not be in favour of selling either of the players mentioned.
“I do not know what will happen with Mbappe. But it would not be a good idea to sell Araujo or Frenkie (De Jong),” Deco told Esport 3 (H/t United In Focus). “I do not want to worsen the squad. (Selling Araujo and De Jong would be) like removing an arm and a leg. It would be a mistake, and it would only make the team’s situation worse.”
La Liga’s rules state clubs can spend 40% of the money they make and/or save on salaries, and the potential funds from selling Araujo and De Jong as well as getting rid of their wages could make a move for Mbappe feasible.
Meanwhile, reports from Spain cited by the Manchester Evening News suggest De Jong could leave Barcelona in the summer.
Lluis Canut says: “Frenkie de Jong is not closing the door on leaving Barca this summer.”
We don’t want another De Jong saga, do we?
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