Premier League strugglers Everton would be ‘very happy’ to offer Ronald Araujo better terms than he is currently getting at Barcelona as the La Liga stopper weighs up his future, as reported by The Athletic.
Araujo deserves a pay rise. A big one too.
Unfortunately for him, asking Barcelona for a substantial wage hike in this day and age feels like asking Michael Bay to direct an Oscar-winning masterpiece; He can try but it’s just not going to happen.
As pointed out by The Athletic, Barcelona cannot even register new marquee signing Ferran Torres until they can find some wriggle-room in their already restrained budget.
In short, the Catalan giants must find takers for the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Norberto Neto and co before the month is out.
And given their eye-watering pay-packets – coupled with a lack of match fitness – that is easier said than done.
Barca, then, may have no choice but to consider offers for players in something of a ‘Goldilocks zone’; Those deemed affordable in the eyes of rival clubs and performing impressively enough to encourage big bids from elsewhere.
Could Ronald Araujo leave Barcelona for Everton?
The spring-heeled Uruguayan international has been arguably Barcelona’s most consistent centre-half since the start of last season – and yes, that includes you Gerard Pique.
“I’m very happy to have Ronald on the team. He has such a great personality,” Barca coach Xavi said in November.
“It’s spectacular to see him train. He’s so positive, he has an excellent character and that’s fundamental to us.”
Araujo has been linked with Liverpool recently but it is their Merseyside neighbours who are crying out for a new centre-half.
Everton have conceded 32 goals in 18 league games this term with Michael Keane and Ben Godfrey bang out of form. Yerry Mina, the club’s most reliable defender, is also facing an uncertain future at Goodison Park, exacerbating an already growing problem.
It remains to be seen how much Everton would be willing to offer for Araujo, amid fears that cash-strapped Barcelona will be unable to meet his wage demands as they look to tie the 22-year-old down to a new contract.
His current deal expires in the summer of 2023 (ESPN).
According to The Athletic, Everton may be ‘very happy’ to offer Araujo better terms than those on offer at the Camp Nou.
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