An insight into the value of the most lucrative offer to have come the way of La Liga giants Barcelona for star defender Ronald Araújo during the January transfer window has today been provided.
The info comes courtesy of Mundo Deportivo, whose intel only serves in further reiterating just how much faith the Barcelona brass have in Araújo’s talents.
The Uruguayan, for his part, of course took his place front and centre in the media headlines across Europe throughout the winter transfer window.
This came amid intense interest in his signature on the part of German heavyweights Bayern Munich.
The Bundesliga champions were widely reported to have identified the 24-year-old as the club’s chief target, amid long-standing efforts to reinforce the heart of their defence.
In the end, a concerted push on the part of the board at the Allianz Arena failed to bear fruit, despite Araújo himself having seemingly been receptive to the prospect of linking up with Thomas Tuchel’s troops.
And, as alluded to above, in the early hours of Friday, an insight into the exact reasoning behind Bayern’s efforts coming up short has been provided.
As per the aforementioned MD, the Bavarians tabled an offer totalling a hefty €90 million, made up of a guaranteed 80 million, and a further 10 million in add-ons.
Under the direct instruction of soon-to-be former head coach Xavi, however, Barcelona refused to budge, adamant that Araújo represents one of the pillars upon which the club’s future will be built over the years to come.
Conor Laird | GSFN
