Bayern Munich wanted FC Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo in January.
The Bundesliga winners wanted to bolster their backline in the winter, and manager Thomas Tuchel and director Christoph Freund wanted the Barça captain.
The trade fell through for numerous reasons, but Raphael Honigstein of The Athletic has provided further insights about the Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Araujo predicament.
Xavi threatened resignation if Araujo was sold.
Araujo was Bayern Munich’s top winter target, according to the report.
The story even claims that the Barcelona captain was keen to joining Bavaria in January.
Given the situation, Bayern Munich approved a €80 million transfer for the Uruguayan defender.
However, Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez hampered the Bavarians. According to the story, the 44-year-old told the Barça board he would leave if Araujo was sold to Bayern, preventing the deal.
However, Xavi announced his departure from Barça in January, after Bayern Munich had signed Eric Dier on a loan-to-buy from Tottenham Hotspur.
Bayern may sign Araujo this summer.
In the summer transfer window, Bayern Munich are expected to pursue Araujo again after failing to sign him.
Additionally, Financial Fair Play may force Barcelona to sell a key player in the summer.
Given his status as a ‘untouchable’, Araujo’s selection will be intriguing.
